State of emergency for Manawatū-Whanganui Region terminated

The state of emergency for the entire Manawatū-Whanganui Region has been terminated from 5:00pm, Wednesday 18 February, as the response transitions to recovery.

A regional state of emergency was declared on Sunday, 15 February in response to the recent low pressure weather system.

The weather system, which brought heavy rain and strong winds causing widespread damage across the region, caused particularly significant impacts to communities in the Manawatū, Rangitīkei and Tararua districts.

Manawatū-Whanganui Emergency Management Group controller Ged Shirley says in agreement with the mayors of the affected districts, the regional state of emergency will now be terminated. 

“With the weather having cleared now, the region’s mayors and Horizons Regional Council chair are satisfied with terminating the state of emergency, in order to support the transition to the recovery phase.

“Although the state of emergency has ended, the work has not stopped. Together with our territorial authorities, transition plans have been written to help the region to recover from the effects of devastating this weather event,” he says.

“We would like to give a huge thanks to everyone involved in supporting our communities. From lines companies working tirelessly to reconnect properties, to roading crews clearing roads, and communities banding together to support each other through this significant event. It’s been heartening to witness.”

Mr Shirley says the recovery from this event will be long and ongoing for many.

“There’s been significant damage across the region, particularly to infrastructure networks such as electricity, cell towers and roading. The economic, infrastructural and social impacts of this event will be felt by many communities in many different ways, and will be felt for a long time.

“Alongside our support agencies and district and city councils, we have mobilised our teams to support the recovery process as best we can. 

“Recovery after storms can be a long and stressful process. Be kind to yourself and others in the days and weeks to come. Don’t be afraid to talk to each other, ask for help, and reach out for support. 

“There are many places to access this support, and information on these can be found on the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Group website www.mwcdem.govt.nz.

Welfare Information

• Recovery after a storm can be a long and stressful process. People should be kind to themselves and each other in the days and weeks to come. Don’t be afraid to talk to each other, ask for help, and reach out for support.
• Talk to your healthcare provider for support and advice with managing stress.
• You can text or phone 1737 anytime to speak to a trained counsellor for free. They can help if you
• need support or advice
• have feelings of anxiety, stress, prolonged fear, hopelessness or anger
• just need to talk with someone.
• Te Whatu Ora Health NZ funds a number of free and easily accessible wellbeing supports available here. These include face-to-face primary mental health and addiction support via participating GPs clinics, Kaupapa Māori, Pacific and Youth specific services around the country. These services are free and available without a referral. https://www.wellbeingsupport.health.nz/, or you can call or text 1737 for free.
• There are several telehealth services available to help you, including the Depression Helpline, Youthline, The Lowdown, Healthline, the Alcohol and Drug Helpline. https://whakarongorau.nz/telehealth-services
• Rural Support Trusts provide advice and support for rural people. https://www.rural-support.org.nz/ or call 0800 787 254. 
• If you have an internet connection, self-care tips, information and support are available from allsorts.org.nz. 
  Farmstrong is a nationwide wellbeing programme for the rural community. www.farmstrong.co.nz 
• Resources and tools to support wellbeing are available on the All Right? Campaign website. www.allright.org.nz
• Self-care may seem trivial when you’re dealing with the effects of an emergency, but taking good care of your taha tinana (physical health) and taha hinengaro (mental health) is key when times are tough. Click here to view resources.
• As much as you can, do the little things that make you feel good, like exercising, reading, listening to music, or spending time with loved ones.
• Limit how much time you spend on social media or checking the news.
• Take time to rest when you need to.