McKelvie Ian: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMcKelvie Ian: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 23 June 2015. Volume:706;Page:4617. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.IAN McKELVIE (National—Rangitīkei)to the Minister of Civil Defence: What support is the Government providing to communities affected by the severe storm and flooding event of 18 to 21 June?Hon NIKKI KAYE (Minister of Civil Defence):The Government is contributing significant support to areas affected by the storm. At the moment the Government’s general support includes deployment of staff from the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management in order to provide on-the-ground advice and support; reimbursement of local authorities for response and recovery costs such as accommodation and the transportation of food and clothing for displaced residents; repairing essential infrastructure; welfare assistance such as hardship grants through the Ministry of Social Development; police assistance with security and rural reconnaissance; and support to clear and repair State highways. Our thoughts are with the families and people affected by the severe storm and floods.Ian McKelvie: What is the current situation in some of the affected areas?Hon NIKKI KAYE: I can confirm that a state of local emergency has been lifted for Rangitīkei. States of local emergency for Whanganui and Taranaki will remain in place until assessments have been undertaken. From the advice that I have had from talking with local mayors I can confirm that damage assessments are under way in Whanganui in the hope that some people will be able to return to their homes from tomorrow. The river is continuing to recede building inspections are under way in Waitōtara and Fonterra and civil defence are continuing to contact people and farmers in the region in order to assess their needs. A range of roading assessments are under way and helicopters are dropping food and other essential supplies to isolated houses and are getting people who wish to leave out. In Hokitika 40 people have been evacuated or are in temporary accommodation. I will be meeting with mayors tonight and tomorrow in order to understand their plans around residents who may be out of their homes for longer. Over the coming days we will continue to get a clearer picture of the damage. Today I had a call with mayors from affected regions to get an update on some of the smaller towns and I will visit Marton tomorrow and meet with the Mayor of Rangitīkei tonight.Ian McKelvie: What additional support has been announced by the Government?Hon NIKKI KAYE: A disaster relief fund has been activated for the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Yesterday I announced the Government will contribute $250000 to that fund. We will contribute more if needed. I am currently in discussions with the mayors in Taranaki and Westland about further funds and Government contributions. Also Minister Tolley announced yesterday an additional $250000 package for Enhanced Taskforce Green. This will provide funding to councils to employ jobseekers to assist with the clean-up and to hire or purchase equipment and clothing to enable this to happen. Today the Minister for Primary Industries who was visiting the region declared a medium-scale adverse event. Minister Guy has announced $100000 for rural support trusts. The Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry of Social Development will now assess the need for rural assistance payments. Over the next 24 hours I will be visiting Rangitīkei Whanganui Waitōtara and Marton to meet with local mayors residents and people working on the recovery so as to ensure that they know this Government is committed to helping communities get back on their feet.