Ardern JacindaMINISTERIAL STATEMENTSNelson—BushfiresRt Hon JACINDA ARDERN (Prime Minister): I wish to make a ministerial statement on the Nelson bushfires. I rise on behalf of the coalition Government to inform the House of the progress made by emergency services with managing the fires in the Nelson-Tasman region. The fire started on Tuesday 5 February. Nelson mayor Rachel Reese and Tasman mayor Richard Kempthorne declared a state of local emergency the following day. The declaration allowed emergency authorities to respond quickly and activate the emergency operation centre. The fire has covered over 2300 hectares destroying forest and agricultural land impacting stock and leading to the evacuation of 2500 people.While the fire has destroyed two homes and caused widespread damage I do want to acknowledge that loss but also thank those who were involved in the response. Their action has saved homes stopped the spread of the fire and protected the lives of those living in the area. We're advised that the fire is currently being held within control lines and the weather forecast is for favourable conditions. That is encouraging but we remain cautious for the large number of hot spots throughout the fire zone that could become active should there be a change in the wind. Emergency authorities are doing everything that they can to get people back into their homes and farms as soon as it is safe to do so. The declaration of a state of local emergency will now be extended for a further week to allow authorities to continue to control the fire and deal with the current situation and if conditions change and if the fire risk increases. I know you will join with me in expressing that our thoughts are with all those people impacted by this emergency. On behalf of the Government I'd like to thank the local residents for their continued patience and the community spirit that they have displayed. Since the fire started more than 1000 properties have been evacuated. It was incredibly encouraging to see Wakefield residents return home yesterday. Emergency authorities are today assessing when the remaining 228 households will be allowed to return. Many evacuated residents are staying with family and friends and a number of marae have played a valuable role in the response by opening the doors to all those who needed support and I thank them for their manaakitanga. To the people of Nelson-Tasman: we want to reassure you that the Government is making available the necessary resources to the agencies working to gain control of these fires and preserve life and property. Recovery planning is already under way to get the area and the community back on their feet as soon as possible. The Government has now committed a contribution of $70000 to the Tasman District Council mayoral relief fund and to providing $50000 for the rural support trust and primary industry groups to help speed up the recovery of farming and horticultural businesses. I do want to highlight though that this funding is only intended to plug gaps that are not already covered by other Government funding. The fire has had a significant impact on Nelson-Tasman's rural communities with animal welfare access to stock and dealing with property and infrastructure damage remaining a significant concern for many even after this fire is brought under control. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has deployed additional animal welfare staff to the region to look after animals from affected areas with the showgrounds being used as a temporary home for evacuated animals. These staff have been really well supported by the SPCA NGOs and local veterinarians and I want to acknowledge that. Finally I want to commend the wide range of agencies involved in this response for their decisive coordinated action. The Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is leading the response with support from multiple agencies who have deployed additional personnel from around the country to assist. Over the past week hundreds of staff from Fire and Emergency New Zealand the New Zealand Police the New Zealand Defence Force the Ministry for Primary Industries as well as the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management and regional civil defence management (CDM) groups have been on the ground in Nelson-Tasman. They have our sincere thanks. Welfare service agencies are on hand to assist with people's needs. Alongside other organisations such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army the district health board and primary health organisations have set up support services which include free GP visits for those affected. Support is available through the rural support trust and the Ministry of Social Development has activated an 0800 Government helpline providing urgent financial help for people affected by the fires with staff working through the weekend and to them goes our thanks as well. There is still some uncertainty ahead but we can all I believe be very proud of the extraordinary efforts of all of those involved. The Government again thanks those agencies those community groups and individuals working tirelessly to fight the fire and support people in affected communities.