The clean up after the storm

Five crews and specialist arborists have been working across Waipā in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, which destroyed or damaged badly more than 100 trees in the district.

“We’re mindful that compared to some parts of New Zealand, Waipā has got off pretty lightly. So, while we might be facing some inconvenience, we’re a lot better off than many others,” district council chief executive Garry Dyet said.

Cambridge took the biggest battering in the district, and it will take months to complete a district wide clean up.

Garry Dyet said while most of the critical work for council will be completed over the next couple of weeks, less urgent work may stretch into April and possibly beyond.

“That means, if you have logged a job with us, unless the tree deteriorates further, please be patient and know we have it in hand. Our council team, and our team of contractors have done a phenomenal job under incredibly trying circumstances and I couldn’t be prouder.”

He also issued another plea for residents to stay away from unsafe and fallen trees and not take it upon themselves to cut firewood.

“The last thing we need is people wandering around with chainsaws – that’s a nightmare scenario. We’re very happy to leave firewood in piles for people to take away and we’re doing that as fast as we can. But having people come onto work