Motions — Floods—Eastern Bay of Plenty

I move, That the House note the recent severe flooding in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, with consequent damage to homes, farms, roads, and stopbanks; express its sympathy to the family of the late Mrs Beverley Freeman, and, further, commend the tireless efforts of the emergency services and the many hundreds of volunteers assisting families and farmers in the huge recovery ahead.

I concur with the sentiments expressed by the Hon Tony Ryall. Having visited the region yesterday, I can testify to the strength and dedication of that community in repairing the damage and in moving on with their lives. I also want to draw special attention to those agencies, both governmental and non-governmental, that have moved right outside their comfort zones and core business to take their skills—skills that are not normally needed in that community but that are in demand now—and use them to help the people of the community rebuild their homes and their lives. I am sure that members of the Labour Party agree with the sentiments expressed by Mr Ryall, and we wish the people of the community all the best for their redevelopment.

On behalf of my colleagues in New Zealand First, I endorse the sentiments expressed in the Hon Tony Ryall’s motion and echoed by Janet Mackey. It is a dreadful disaster, and it is absolutely beyond belief in many respects. It says much for the people of that area that they are showing such effort and determination to right things. On behalf of New Zealand First Party members and our members of Parliament, I wish them all the very best in their endeavours.

On behalf of the Green Party, I add our sympathies and very good wishes to the people affected by these terrible floods. It was a great shock for me to recognise on the front page of the New Zealand Herald a house that was teetering on the brink. I had stayed there not so long ago. It is occupied by a couple of prominent members of the Greens, and we have been in email communication with them. Certainly, the situation has been very, very difficult for people there. I think the time has come when we need to work with local government to put in place preventative measures against this kind of climatic event, which is going to become more frequent.

On behalf of United Future, I extend our sympathies also to the people of Whakatāne, Edgecumbe, affected areas of Ōpōtiki, and the Matatā straight. I make the personal statement that I am extremely proud of my community for the way that people have pulled together and worked together through an extremely difficult time. I am very proud to be part of that community.

Motion agreed to.