KEY POINTS:
Northland's local body leaders will soon go to the Government for financial help to deal with the aftermath of storms that have cost the region up to $100 million.
The storm that hit Northland on July 10 was the second major storm in the region in just over three months, causing widespread flooding and damage, mainly in the Far North and Whangarei districts.
Councils in both areas are still working out the costs of that storm and other floods since March 29, but the figure is approaching $100 million and they want the "millions" the Government promised them after the July 10 storm.
A combined Far North District Council/Whangarei District Council report on the floods is expected to be ready to go to Cabinet within a month.
Far North Mayor Yvonne Sharp said receiving significant Government financial help was vital.
"A lot of the costs will be borne by insurance, but we will still need help," she said. "We are trying to get a higher level of Government subsidy for our roading. We normally get 52 to 55 per cent [subsidy] but we need a 90 per cent subsidy to make our roads safe."
Losses in the Far North are estimated to be $47.4 million to $52.9 million. About $30 million of insurance claims have been lodged from throughout Northland after the storms.
Mrs Sharp said Prime Minister Helen Clark and Civil Defence Minister Rick Barker visited the Far North soon after the July 10 flooding - which prompted the first district-wide state of emergency for decades - to see the destruction first-hand.
Mr Barker later promised "millions" to help with the recovery.
"The Prime Minister, Mr Barker and other Labour MPs saw the effects of what was happening and we are hoping for a favourable response from the Government to our request for substantial help," she said.
Whangarei Mayor Pamela Peters said the cumulative effects of the two storms, coupled with heavy rain this month, were enormous for the region.
The combined cost to Whangarei District Council infrastructure was up to $13 million, with many millions more in losses and damages to farmers and avocado growers.
- Northern Advocate
