Help Matata, Ryall pleads

Tony Ryall

Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall has written to the new Minister of Civil Defence, Rick Barker, urging him to make Government relief for the devastated coastal community of Matata his highest priority.

Thirty-one properties were destroyed and more than 80 homes damaged when the town was hit by floods and landslides on May 18.

At the beginning of this month, more than 50 families remained in temporary accommodations.

The Whakatane District Council has asked the Government for $7.6 million to help restore Matata.

Former Civil Defence Minister George Hawkins indicated to the council before last month's election that assistance was likely, but asked for more information before a decision was made.

The council expressed disappointment at his request, saying it had made every effort to provide the necessary information by submitting a detailed report with the assistance of a Government-funded recovery facilitator.

The council is now working to supply the extra information.

Mr Ryall said that Mr Barker needed to make relief for Matata his "number one priority" as many residents faced an uncertain future.

The National MP said those whose properties were destroyed still did not know whether they would be able to rebuild.

"We've got numerous families in Matata who are no wiser than they were the night of the flood."

Mr Ryall had written to Mr Barker because the last Government had not delivered upon its promises.

A spokesman for Mr Barker, who was in the flood-hit East Coast yesterday, said the minister was aware of the situation regarding Matata and added that "it's obviously a priority for him".