Cyclone recovery package receives 'overwhelming' community support

The city rivers in full flood after Cyclone Gabrielle hit the region on February 13 and 14, 2023.

A support package for Cyclone Gabrielle recovery in Tairāwhiti has received “overwhelming” support from the community during public consultation but not without some concerns.

From October 2-16, Gisborne District Council consulted on an all-or-nothing Government support package to assist with a repair bill of more than $1 billion.

The $204 million package is to fund and cost-share recovery work, which includes the buy-out of properties which have an unacceptable risk of future flooding and loss of life.

The money would also be put towards flood mitigation projects and regional transport improvements.

A report prepared for the council’s Wednesday meeting showed 221 people provided written feedback on the funding package, along with 150 people engaging at hui, online or at the A&P show.

“People expressed a wide range of views about their experiences with the severe weather events from early 2023, and views on recovery,” the report read.

“Many people accepted that the funding was necessary for the region to recover and to improve future resilience.”

The council described feedback to accept the offer — which was about 90 percent for and 10 percent against — as “overwhelming”.

But concerns were highlighted because of the council’s need to stump up $21 million of its own money, which would result in a 1 percent impact on rates for 2024/25.

The council broadly summarised concerns as being focused on high rates and affordability, requests to focus on alternative funding sources and the high cost of fixing roads, bridges and drainage.

Others talked about a lack of capacity and capability for the council and contractors to undertake the work and perceived failures of the organisation in other areas.

Benefits highlighted in the consultation period included the need to accept the offer in order to unlock infrastructure funding and ”getting on with recovery” for the benefit of the community.

The council will vote today on accepting or rejecting the Government’s all-or-nothing offer.

For roading alone, the organisation estimates it will need between $465 and $725 million.

Accepting the package means council debt thresholds would be outside of what was agreed in the 2021 - 2031 Long Term Plan and Financial Strategy.