Eastland Wood Council monitoring wet weather forecast

The Eastland Wood Council – Te Kaunihera Pororākau o Te Tairāwhiti (EWC) is closely monitoring the weather, with rain forecast for north of Tokomaru Bay throughout the afternoon and until midday Wednesday.

EWC Chair, Neil Woods, is encouraging people to follow advice from local authorities.

“Safety is our priority, and we’d really encourage our Tairāwhiti whānau to keep an eye out for any advice, including signs if you’re out and about during this period.

“Please also be aware that swollen rivers may dislodge further material into waterways, so be careful when in and around water.

“If anyone is affected by the wet weather and needs support, please reach out to emergency services.”

Neil Woods says clean-up efforts after recent devastating cyclones will continue, so long as it is safe to do so.

“Our members were out in Tolaga Bay last week helping to clear debris, having started at the Surf Club end of the beach. We are committed to doing whatever it takes as this is our home too.

“At the same time, we are working with our members to make sure we have a clear picture of who is operating where – and who can mobilise the quickest to each area to clean up if woody debris mobilises in a weather event in the future.

“Our industry has the tools and experience to get stuck in and do the work – and we’ll keep doing this for as long as we are needed.”