FROM RESPONSE TO RECOVERY

From response to recovery

The Ōtorohanga and Waipā districts are shifting from the response phase into recovery following the recent severe weather event and the declaration of a Civil Defence State of Emergency.

Read more here.

Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund

Applications are open to the Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund in response to the recent severe weather event that has impacted communities across the district. The fund may assist with:

• basic household needs and essential personal items (where uninsured or underinsured)
• clearing debris from properties
• assisting with insurance excess payments
• replacing essential uninsured or underinsured items.

Donations are also welcome and can be made to:

Ōtorohanga District Council – Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund
Account number: 02-0392-0018241-003

Find out more >>

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Roading updates

District roads: Ōtorohanga District Council is working hard with our contractors to continue repairing roads damaged in the February floods and we've been making great progress. Some repairs will take longer where damage is more significant, as we want to ensure lasting solutions. For the latest information on our work on council-owned roads, including currently closed roads, read more here.

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Catchment Emergency Preparedness Workshop

NZ Landcare Trust is running a workshop in Waitomo to train rural communities how to prepare for and respond to adverse events. It is for Waikato and King Country farmers, rural landowners, catchment groups and rural professionals. The workshop will use a toolbox module developed by Taranaki Catchment Communities.

When: Thursday 30 April 2026, 10am – 4pm

Where: Waitomo Homestead, State Highway 3, only 10 minutes' drive from Waitomo Village.

About: The workshop will be fun, interactive and fast-paced, covering key aspects of emergency preparedness, response and recovery. It is designed to help landowners/farmer build resilience. Lunch is provided.

Register now: Click here to register by 28 April. Numbers are limited.

For inquiries: Contact [email protected]

Partners: The workshop is supported by Taranaki Catchment Communities, MPI Agriculture and Investment Services, Rural Support, KCRC, King Country River Care and National Emergency Management Agency.

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Rubbish and recycling updates: 

Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia:

Rubbish and kerbside recycling collections have resumed.

Ngutunui area/Mangati Road/Te Tahi/Ormsby Road/Maungauika Road areas:

Rubbish:

If you are no longer able to easily access Pirongia to drop off your pre-paid rubbish bags for collection, please bring them down to the Ōtorohanga Waste Transfer Station located at 40 Progress Drive, Ōtorohanga. It is open 10am-4pm six days a week (open every day apart from Thursdays). Yellow pre-paid bags can be dropped off for free and black bags of rubbish can also be brought in with disposal charges applied.

Recycling: 
Recycling should be clean/rinsed and with lids removed. Accepted items: plastics 1/2/5, paper and cardboard, tins and cans, and glass.

Our Rural Recycling Facilities are open as usual. However, if you are no longer able to easily access these there are a couple of options:

• Bring your recyclables to the Ōtorohanga Waste Transfer Station, 40 Progress Drive where they can be dropped off for free.
• You can take your recyclables to the Evolve Resource Recovery Centre located in Te Awamutu ( Daphne Street, Te Awamutu); however, there is a drop-off fee of $9.10. 

For more info check out:

Kerbside Collection & Centres | Ōtorohanga District Council
Rubbish and transfer stations | Waste Less Waipā

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General information

Homeowner support

New Zealand Claims Resolution Service
This free government service provides homeowners with independent advice and support to resolve residential insurance issues resulting from natural disasters.
Visit www.nzcrs.govt.nz

Welfare

The following services are available if you or someone you know in Ōtorohanga District Council needs help:

Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
Financial assistance, welfare support, accommodation help.
Call 0800 559 009 or visit your local MSD office.

Rural Support Trust
Confidential support for farmers, growers, and rural whānau dealing with stress, damage or loss.
Call 0800 787 254

Farmstrong
Find farmer-to-farmer tips, supported and informed by wellbeing science.
Visit Farmstrong.co.nz

Here to Help U
One stop support for food parcels, financial hardship, mental health, social services and more.
Visit www.heretohelpu.nz
Call 0800 568 273 and leave a call back request

HealthNZ: Managing stress in an emergency
Advice on understanding emotional reactions to emergencies and positive ways of coping.
Visit Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora website

Need to Talk?
Free counselling by phone or text, 24/7.
Call or text 1737.

Building inspections and site visits

Council building inspectors have been carrying out Rapid Building Assessments (RBA) in the storm-affected areas, with a placard system used for properties which have been inspected. Staff will have Civil Defence and Council ID.

What do the colours mean?

⚪️ White - safe to occupy, but keep an eye out for any damage. 

🟡 Yellow - limited access only. Some areas may be restricted and used under supervision.

🔴 Red - do not enter due to damage or land risk. This doesn’t always mean the building will be demolished.

Check out this factsheet about red and yellow stickers.

Watch MBIE's video to learn more about the assessment system.

Safety advice during clean-up

Dealing with flooding can be overwhelming and exhausting. As you begin to clean up, it’s important to take care of your health as well as your home.

Flooding can leave behind contaminated water, silt and damp conditions that may pose health risks. Floodwater can contain harmful germs from sewage, farm runoff and chemicals. Taking simple, safe clean‑up steps can help protect you, your whānau and your home as you recover.

Cleaning up a flooded home guide

Preventing and cleaning up mould

For more information, phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Cover for storm, flood and landslide damage

The Natural Hazards Commission (formerly known as EQC) has information on what you’re covered for following a storm, flood or landslide, and how it can contribute to the cost of clean-up to some of your land.

Read more information on cover for storm, flood and landslide damage