Government steps in to provide post-flood accommodation in Rotorua

Savannah Rogers, 11 looks out from her flooded family home in Ngongotaha on April 30. Photo/Stephen Parker

A sudden demand for housing for Rotorua families displaced by recent flooding has prompted action from the Associate Minister of Housing and Urban Development Jenny Salesa.

This afternoon she has announced the activation of the "Temporary Accommodation Service" for Rotorua District.

She said the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's TAS service would "help people whose homes were damaged by the extreme weather and flooding".

"TAS is working with local authorities to assess the damage and establish how many homes will need to be repaired, but it is clear assistance will be required for a significant number of households for temporary accommodation.

"The TAS team will collect registrations from displaced people who require temporary accommodation, establish what accommodation options are suitable, and connect them together.

"The service proved successful in the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes, and the Edgecumbe floods, and the level of damage and displacement justifies us establishing this service in Rotorua."

Salesa urged anyone with a current or expected need following the flooding to register their details at www.temporaryaccommodation.mbie.govt.nz or call 0508 754 163.

"I would also urge tenants and landlords of rental properties to visit www.tenancy.govt.nz to familiarise themselves with their tenancy rights and obligations following an event like this."