Kaitaia begins big clean-up after tornado

The clean-up effort of a Northland community damaged by a tornado on Saturday continues today, with Housing New Zealand and insurers expected on-site to assess the damage and begin repairs.

The tornado opened roofs, broke windows and brought trees crashing to the ground, damaging 17 houses, the local hospital, a car and destroying a kindergarten fence in its path.

Homes in Pukepoto Rd and Worth St at the south end of the town appeared worst affected, while Kaitaia Hospital also suffered serious damage with a tree taking out a transformer and a boiler room roof blown off.

Far North District Council spokeswoman Alison Lees said building inspectors would begin to assess the extent of the damage today.

The length of the assessment would depend on the damage, she said.

Housing NZ Northland regional manager Rick Boraston said the majority of damaged houses were owned by the corporation.

Two or three contractors were examining the damage while others, including carpenters and glaziers, would begin repairs today, he said.

Depending on the weather, Housing NZ hoped to have most repairs under way in the next few days and "just about sorted" by the end of the week, Mr Boraston said.

The properties were insured by the corporation so there would be no cost to residents, except for any damaged contents.

Insurance Council spokesman John Lucas told NZPA the level of insurance claims following the tornado wouldn't be known for some time.

The council was urging residents to contact their insurance companies as soon as possible to get claims initiated.

Local volunteer fire brigade chief and Far North District councillor Colin Kitchen said residents saw the tornado approaching the south end of the town from the west coast at about 12.40pm.

With a front about 50 metres wide, it entered Pukepoto Rd before going into Worth St, through the grounds of Kaitaia Hospital and on to Eden Terrace.

He said it was mainly state houses that were damaged, which have tile roofs.

"About 20 houses have lost tiles, windows were blown in and there were trees down."

However, Mr Kitchen praised the Kaitaia community for its efforts with controlling the damage.

"It was great, I can't emphasis how much everyone just rallied around, the Fire Service, police, council staff, Victim Support, contractors who donated salvage, we are a resistant community."

- NZPA