Tāmaki Makaurau is starting to shift its focus from the emergency response and immediate recovery to the Big Auckland Clean Up.
For many Aucklanders, clean-up began almost immediately after the first downpour 12 days ago – and there’s plenty of work still to be done.
“The energy, generosity and drive of Aucklanders has been magnificent since record rainfall and flooding hit the region, says Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson.
“Whether it has been helping people escape danger, giving donations, clearing drains or blockages or offering shelter and support, Tāmaki Makaurau has really stepped up to meet the challenge the floods have given us.
“I’m also very proud of the tireless work our people, our councillors and local board members are doing to get Tāmaki Makaurau back on its feet.
“But we know there are still many Aucklanders who need help – as well as many who have already, and or want to, volunteer to help.”
Big Auckland Clean-up
Auckland Emergency Management, NZDF and other partner agencies have been working since the floods hit on the response and immediate recovery.
There are still homes with flood-damaged furnishings, families who need support, rubbish and debris on streets, and beaches and parks that need clearing.
The Big Auckland Clean Up is focused on providing support for the community and volunteer work that is already underway, connecting volunteers with the right agencies and ensuring any work they do is safe for them to do so.
“Our commitment to Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland is to ensure you are supported in your recovery. The council is here to champion and support those efforts already in place,” says Deputy Mayor Simpson.
If you need help
- If you need urgent assistance, please phone Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) on 0800 22 22 00.
- If it is not urgent, but you could do with some help, the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) has stepped up to take details coordinate assistance. Contact SVA via their website or fill out their ‘request flood assistance’ form here.
- We also encourage those needing non-urgent assistance to reach out directly to community and support groups in your area.
- Auckland Council staff and a network of volunteers will be out in in impacted areas today and all this week, knocking on doors to find out what’s needed. The council is coordinating this work with active local groups to ensure we are bolstering the great work those groups are already doing.
- These crews will be talking to households about what they may need: whether it's expert help, including welfare support or major damage, or whether it’s something that volunteer crews can safely step in and take on. And they’ll have factsheets, in a range of languages, saying what steps people can take themselves, and where help is available.
Overwhelming community support
The last week has seen volunteer groups, the community, religious and sporting groups, marae, and individuals across Auckland come together to support those impacted.
This is alongside the support in centres around Auckland – staffed by hundreds of volunteers – who are sorting through and distributing essential goods.
If you want to help
- Check out Volunteer Auckland for a list of where you can find lists of active groups and how to get in touch – that’s whether you want to help or need a helping hand right now.
- If you would like to help with the clean-up efforts, please contact the council on 0800 CLEAN UP (0800 253 268).
- If you cannot physically help but would like to provide financial support, you can also donate to the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund.
Next steps
Auckland Council will be providing details of opportunities to help over the coming week as well as details of the companies have stepped up to provide equipment, food or sponsorship to support the effort.
In the meantime, Deputy Mayor Simpson has a simple message for Aucklanders.
“If you still need help – please ask. You may not be accustomed to asking for help – but it is there if you need it. There are people, groups and agencies across the region who are available. You don’t need to face this on your own, she says.
“My message for those who want to help, whether in a volunteer capacity with goods, services or with financial assistance, then please contact us via 0800 CLEANUP.”
