Coastguard award
Coastguard Whangaroa volunteer Bob Kidd received a special award acknowledging his 14-year commitment as a volunteer at the organisation’s recent AGM. Kidd’s time as president was described as instrumental in the unit having its vessel Kahurangi. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the rescue unit can contact Glenys Grace on 027 460 8500.
Cyclone relief funding
The Government has approved new funding that will boost resilience and greatly reduce the risk of major flood damage across Northland, particularly the Far North. Significant weather events this year caused severe flooding and damage across the region and the $8.9 million will be used to provide some of the smaller communities and marae that were badly impacted better protection from future flooding. “Alongside supporting Te Tai Tōkerau to rebuild and recover, we need to prepare for any future events and the Government is committed to helping councils and mana whenua do just that,” Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said. The bulk of the funding, $4.2m, will go towards reducing the risk of flooding in Kawakawa, Ōtiria-Moerewa, Kāeo, Matangirau, Whirinaki, and Punaruku, including marae often flooded or at risk from flooding. Remaining funds will go towards projects including removing fallen and at-risk trees from flood-risk rivers, stormwater upgrades, stabilising work, stop bank repairs, and early warning systems.
