The Central Hawke’s Bay District Council begin a series of Community Conversations tonight to discuss the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.
The Council is keen to hear residents views on housing, roads, land use and support going forward as it builds a recovery plan.
Tonight’s meeting is from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Elsthorpe Hall, followed by the Takapau Town Hall tomorrow night.
The Council is set to hold a series of such meetings over the next three weeks to gain feedback.
For those that can’t attend the meetings, but would like to offer feedback, a survey is available on the Council website.
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A man who lost a leg on Mount Ruapehu nearly 20 years ago will give a presentation in CHB today.
William Pike, who had the lower half of his right leg amputated after being caught on the mountain when it erupted in 2007, began a Duke of Edinburgh type programme, called the William Pike Challenge.
This year, 133 local school children from Years 6 to 9, are taking part in the Challenge.
Students take part in outdoor activities – which take them outside their comfort zone; undertake community service; and complete a passion project, which encourages them to challenge and develop their self-belief, work ethic and commitment.
William Pike’s speech is being held at the Centralines Sports Stadium from 11.30 this morning, with everyone welcome.
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The Central Hawke’s Bay Mayoral Relief Fund has distributed nearly $150,000.
112 households, businesses, farms and community groups affected by Cyclone Gabrielle have received money from the fund.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Chief Executive, Doug Tate, said applications have included repairs to flood damaged homes and caravans, repairs to driveways and fences, replacement of lost food and firewood, and reinstatement of damaged club and school equipment.
He said applications for assistance were still open and the fund was still accepting donations.
Mr Tate said our community will need support for some time yet as the needs for those most affected become more complex and difficult to solve.
For those still wanting to make donations to the fund, details are available on the District Council website.
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Dr Nic Peet will be the next Chief Executive of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
Dr Peet comes to Hawke’s Bay after 10 years at Horizons Regional Council where he is currently Group Manager Strategy, Regulation and Science.
Regional Council Chair Hinewai Ormsby said Dr. Peet brings a wealth of environmental experience and was clearly the best choice for the role.
She said his commitment to environmental issues and the strong connections he has across the motu will have benefits for all of the Council’s work.
Dr Peet will begin work at the Council early to mid July.