Community spirit at its finest!

Go back to basics: wash your hands well especially when handling waste, rubbish or flood debris, stay out of flood water, stay hydrated, try and get some sleep and downtime, talk with friends and keep connected to help with mental wellbeing, stay in contact with your neighbours and loved ones.

Avoid contact with water in drains, streams and Te Whanganui a Ōrotu (Ahuriri Estuary), and keep your four-legged friends healthy too by keeping them out of waterways. Don’t gather kai moana and stay out of the water and away from the beach. Mana whenua have a rāhui in place until further notice.

Silt mud and dust can carry toxins so it’s important to stay away from them as much as possible. If you do need to come into contact with them, dress for success! Wear long sleeves and long pants - a coverall is even better – wear a mask, eye protection and gumboots. When you have finished, wash up well.

The impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle are affecting people in different ways, and at different times. Please know that it’s OK not to be OK, and help is available.

Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.

Accommodation - Many home and contents insurance policies cover temporary accommodation. Policy wording will differ, so check with your insurer. The Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) can help you find temporary accommodation. Call TAS on 0508 754 163 for more information. If you are providing accommodation to evacuees, you may also be eligible for an accommodation payment.

Civil Defence Payments - You may be able to get a Civil Defence Payment if you had to leave your home, if you were away from your home at the time of the emergency and you can’t return, if you need help with food, bedding or clothing, or if you can’t go to work.

Talk to Work and Income on 0800 400 100 or go to workandincome.govt.nz for help with Temporary Accommodation Services and Civil Defence Payments.

Rates - We have approved 'rates remissions' in response to Cyclone Gabrielle. The remissions apply to red and yellow stickered properties and the application form is available at napier.govt.nz

In addition to this we will not be charging late payment penalties on this quarter’s rates instalment through till the end of February.