Ōpōtiki Civil Defence is spending this morning [14 February 2023] assessing any damage or issues along the coast but initial indications are that the district had avoided the worst effects of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Ōpōtiki Controller, Gerard McCormack said that the district would now be operating under the national state of emergency, but that the Ōpōtiki district would not be the focus of national efforts.
“We’re really feeling for other parts of the country that have been hit so much harder. We are fortunate to be able to report minimal damage – it looks like SH35 is largely in good condition, and thanks to the defence force personnel who helped clear a few trees and debris. Waka Kotahi are just finalising their plans to re-open the state highway between Ōpōtiki and Whangaparaoa.
“Most people will start leaving evacuation centres and marae this morning and making their way home. Our low-lying coastal areas mostly appear in good shape.
“We don’t have any particular concerns with flooding at this point, although we can expect ongoing heavy rain and wind, but a bit more like a normal heavy weather pattern from here.
“I cannot thank our partner organisations enough. Ōpōtiki runs quite a different civil defence approach than many others in the country and our iwi organisations work just so hard alongside civil defence through these events. A huge thank to you all the marae who opened their doors, kura and schools who gave up their halls (and their sleep) to provide a place for people to evacuate to if needed. Thanks also to NZDF personnel who have been so hands-on and busy during their time here. FENZ and Police as well who have been visible, busy and a key part of our community response.
“We’ll have a busy few days on clean-up and returning to normal but we’ll also be offering support where we can to our neighbours and other parts of NZ,” Mr McCormack said.
The Ōpōtiki Mayor, David Moore, added his thanks both to the teams working in civil defence and the many partner organisations that had helped out over the last 48 hours.
“We made the decision to declare early so that we could use all the daylight hours possible to get prepared, knock on doors and have the resources we needed. Things could have been so much worse for us and we can see that in other places in the country – we are feeling for them right now.
“I am proud of the planning we did and want to thank everyone involved. A lot goes on in the background – a lot of coordination and planning in offices and on the ground. I know how hard people worked through the night and I want to pass on the appreciation from the community,” Mayor Moore said.
