Maori-owned orchards bounce back from cyclone damage
A large Māori-owned kiwifruit business that was badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle has bounced back with a vengeance.
Presented last month, the award recognises local government staff who are effectively collaborating regionally or nationally with other councils to deliver projects.
The award also recognises efforts to build partnerships and manage relationships.
A joint initiative between Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Hastings District Council, the taskforce has been managing silt and debris recovery across the Hawke’s Bay.
It established silt sites, worked closely with landowners, contractors, central and local government, local officials and broader impacted regional councils and industry.
Regional Council chair Hinewai Ormsby says the award is a testament to the region as a whole.
“This award reflects the extreme circumstances our community needed to overcome, and demanded radical collaboration and courage to work differently in the face of adversity,” Ormsby says.
Meanwhile, Hastings District Council Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst says she congratulates everyone involved in the project.
“This has been an enormous task that was badly needed to help our impacted communities deal with the enormity of the damage inflicted by the cyclone,” she says.
Silt Recovery Taskforce Lead Darren de Klerk says he is extremely proud of the work achieved by the taskforce.
“We have 15 jobs left and have moved nearly 2,400,000 cubic metres of silt and that’s taken a dedicated multi agency team effort,” de Klerk says.
“As we near the end, of what was a massive job, I want to thank everyone involved along with the community for their patience and support,” he concludes.
