The Wellbeing Recovery Plan for Tāmaki Makaurau (4.6MB) has been recently approved by the Auckland Regional Leadership Group*.
The plan takes a broad, long-term view of hauora (health and wellbeing) so that individuals, families, whānau and communities impacted by the 2023 weather events have access to the support they need to recover well.
“The plan is a key deliverable of the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Plan and identifies seven focus areas to support wellbeing in recovery as agreed with partners across central government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and service providers, and Auckland Council,” says Community and Social Recovery Wellbeing Lead, Katie Watson.
“Importantly, it also ensures the ongoing coordinated delivery of wellbeing initiatives, support and services by these organisations.”
The seven focus areas, including examples of the work already taking place, are:
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Access to services and support to address basic needs – until these needs are met, it’s hard for whānau to move on with their lives into a more hopeful future. Example: The Storm Recovery Navigation Service providing connection to support available to storm-affected residents.
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Opportunities for social connection – research shows that communities that are more connected are more likely to adapt and recover quicker from a disaster. Example: Funding was provided for community-led first anniversary commemorations, which provided opportunities for social connection.
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Spaces to promote wellbeing - for those who regularly see the physical reminders of the weather events in their neighbourhoods, beautification projects might provide opportunities to collaborate, connect and heal as a community. Example: Te Kawerau Iwi Tiakai Trust currently leading a beautification project in Clover Drive, Henderson.
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Opportunities for communities to participate in local planning – which can help to promote a sense of self-agency and take back some of the control that has been lost during the weather events. Example: Investment has been provided to impacted communities to support mana whenua and community led recovery planning.
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Local capacity building and leadership development – because we know that community leaders, facilitators and volunteers will appear during emergencies and are critical to response, recovery and resilience building. Example: ‘Weathering the Storm’ workshops funded by Te Whatu Ora gave participants tools to effectively support people in impacted communities.
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Access to services and support for tamariki and rangatahi – because emergencies can undermine their basic assumptions about the world being a safe, stable and largely predictable place. Example: ‘Stormbirds’ emotional support programme has been in action in South Auckland for 5 to 14-year-olds to examine the impact the weather events have had on their lives.
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Access to relevant mental health services and support - We know that some Aucklanders were impacted by weather events prior to 2023, as well as more than once in the first four months of 2023 – the cumulative effects of these experiences further intensified by the residual uncertainties and stressors caused by COVID-19 and a significant rise in the cost of living. Example: $1.6m in mental wellbeing grants (funded by Te Whatu Ora and Ministry of Social Development) received by 19 iwi and community organisations.
To read the full Wellbeing Recovery Plan for Tāmaki Makaurau, visit the Auckland Council website.
*The Auckland Regional Leadership Group is a group of senior iwi leaders and central and local government officials, convened by the Regional Public Service Commissioner. The group provides strategic oversight and alignment with key stakeholders on areas of common priority to achieve better outcomes for Tāmaki Makaurau.
