Communities still in need after storm events

By Lynne Umbers, Relationships and Events Manager, Philanthropy New Zealand | Tōpūtanga Tuku Aroha o Aotearoa 

Two months on from the flooding and cyclone events across regions of the North Island, the situation on the ground is still very real with the most vulnerable and hardest hit communities still suffering. Funders continue to meet regularly to share information about what they are seeing in their regions and where funding is most needed. They remain committed to collaboration and working with communities in need.

Those who have visited affected communities are reporting that the clean-up is still ongoing, infrastructure is fragile and there is a shortage of temporary accommodation for those whose homes are uninhabitable. But more importantly, people are exhausted, the moniker of being resilient is wearing thin, and the psychosocial toll is becoming more apparent. There is no quick fix and there are concerns about how people’s mental wellbeing can be sustained in the long-term. New Zealand Red Cross is running psychosocial first aid courses to help equip people who are working in affected communities to have good conversations and provide some initial support.

Responding to the immediate needs of communities, clean-up kits are available, and funding has been provided to help purchase items such as satellite phones, generators, solar and water storage tanks. In other areas, as recovery plans begin to be enacted, funders are supporting good engagement between communities and the different stakeholders to ensure that the local voices are heard. 

Funding is still coming online and there is a commitment to work together to share information to get it to the right places. Funders are encouraged to sign up and utilise the Match | Te Puna Taurite service to help identify community organisations that are active in any flood work, and to continue conversations and collaborations for the medium to long term recovery.