The floods that struck Wainui and Waiwera in 2023 were unprecedented in their severity, leading to significant disruption and distress within the community. Heavy rainfall over a short period caused rivers and streams to overflow, inundating residential areas and leading to widespread property damage.
Impact on the Community
Residential Areas: Many homes in Wainui were inundated, leading to property damage and displacement of residents with many homes being red or yellow stickered. Water levels rose rapidly, catching many off guard. Residents faced not only the immediate effects of flooding but also the emotional toll of losing their homes and possessions. Local infrastructure was severely affected, including roads and bridges, with many landslips and blockages leaving some areas isolated.
Rodney Local Board member Ivan Wagstaff said the area had been hit hard by flooding during the Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle which caused a slip into the river.
“Subsequent weather has made it worse,” Wagstaff said. “Silt, logs and trees have clogged up the river, leaving the water with nowhere to go.”
The speed of flooding in then left young children stranded on a school bus, needing to be rescued by locals.
Community Response
In the aftermath of the floods, the community of Wainui and Waiwera came together to support one another. Here are some of the initiatives taken to enhance community connection:
Emergency Relief Efforts: Locals mobilized to provide immediate assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care to those affected by the flooding.
Community Meetings: Town hall meetings were organized to discuss recovery efforts and to ensure that all voices in the community were heard. This fostered a sense of unity and collective purpose.
Support Networks: the WVA applied to Red Cross to provide funding for emergency equipment to help the community including first aid supplies, defibrillators, chainsaws and generators to help with preparedness in future.
Future Preparedness Programs: Workshops and training sessions on disaster preparedness were initiated to educate residents on how to better prepare for future flooding events.
The 2023 floods in Wainui and Waiwera, while devastating, catalyzed a wave of community spirit and resilience. The collaborative efforts of residents to support one another and rebuild their lives have strengthened bonds within the community, paving the way for a more connected and prepared future.
If you would like to be part of the Community Response Group, please contact us below. You can also check out our Community Response Plan and preparedness documents on this page.
