Fire and Emergency New Zealand support for Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti today

26 Pipiri 2024

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have been assisting with the East Coast severe weather event today which has particularly impacted the communities of Haumoana and Wairoa.

Crews and a Specialist Water Rescue Team have been in Wairoa today supporting emergency efforts.

"Firefighters with Urban Search and Rescue skills also travelled to Wairoa today to assist and to support our volunteer crews, who have done a fantastic job, " says District Manager Glen Varcoe.

"This evening a further 18 USAR personnel have deployed to Hastings from the lower North Island, eight of whom have specialist water rescue capabilities.

"They will travel to Wairoa tomorrow to further support to the Wairoa community, " Glen Varcoe says.

"They will work with the council to undertake building assessments, using drones and will be available to assist the community.

"We also have 14 fire fighters deployed from Hawke’s Bay, who are helping our local crews on the ground.

"Our thoughts go out to all people impacted by this event across Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti."

Since 8pm Tuesday 25 June, crews have responded to 28 weather related callouts in the Gisborne, Wairoa, and Hastings Districts.