High-tea for flood-affected rural residents
21 June 2018
Flood-affected rural women were brought together in a casual and caring environment this week as they were treated to a high-tea.
The rual womens high-tea was the initiative of Rotorua Lakes Council's rural community board chair Shirley Trumper, Wanda Leadbeater from the Rural Support Trust and Fonterra Farm Source Bay of Plenty area manager Jackie Vale.
It was a team effort, says Shirley who has been liasing with rural families affetced by the severe weather even on April 29.
The high-tea was held at Rotorua's Distinction Hotel and gave some light relief to 16 rural women who were worst affected by the flood.
I wanted to bring everyone together in a supportive and caring environement, where they were able to meet people in a simialar situation to themselves and also to meet some of the members of the Flood Recovery Team, who they are able to ask for help and advice.
Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick and flood recovery manager Paula Meredith spoke at the event and praised the attendess for their can do attitudes.
Key messages from guest speaker Kylie Leonard, included for the women to take care of themselves, their family, their workers, neighbours and their animals.
The effects of April's flooding were wide reaching, with rural residents in Reporoa and Rerewhakaaitu feeling the full force of theadverse weather conditions.
Representatives from various support agencies including the Rural Support Trust were also at the event to offer advice and their services.
There is a lot of stress in our rural communities at the moment, and we wanted some of those residents to have a bit of a break, if only for a short while, says Shirley.
We couldn't have put this event on without the help of Rotorua Lakes Council, the Rural Support Trust, Fonterra, Vet Ora and Dairy NZ.
Shirley says the event was hugely successful and left her buzzing.
It was great. It was wonderful to see these women not only enjoy themselves but to get the information they needed.
If you have been affected and need help and/or advice, call the Rotorua Lakes Council Flood Recovery Office on 0800 020 001 or the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Assistance still available for flood-affected residents:
Residents can apply for grants from the Mayoral Manaakitanga Relief fund.
Application forms and Terms of Reference can be found on the Rotorua Lakes Council website, www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/floodrecovery
Financial assistance is also available through the Ministry of Social Development. You do not have to be on a benefit to receive this. The grants could help with living expenses or urgent and unexpected costs as a result of the flood. In order to receive this, you must be registered with Council's Flood Recovery Office. Call MSD on 0800 559 009 to discuss your options.
Temporary accommodation is available through the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment's Temporary Accommodation Service. The Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) provides support to people displaced by natural disasters who need help finding a temporary place to stay, while their home is repaired or rebuilt. Those wanting assistance to find temporary accommodation should register their details at www.temporaryaccommodation.mbie.govt.nz or call 0508 754 163.
Details for donations
Account name: Mayoral Manaakitanga Relief Fund
Account number: 02-0412-0234516-006
How: Direct Credit or in person at Rotorua Lakes Council building
Details: No specific statement details are needed
Givealitte: Visit www.givealittle.co.nz and search Mayoral Manaakitanga Relief Fund'