On the ground in Wairoa
11 July 2024
The sun was shining on Wairoa at the weekend, but the effects of the weather and flooding from the end of last month were still being felt.
Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST) leaders Krystal Boyes (Whanganui) and Nick Webb (Tauranga) were in the area working in collaboration with other organisations to offer support, a hand where needed and a friendly smile.
“People have been very grateful for our presence,” Krystal says.
The pair, who are just the latest team members to be present since the floods of 26 June, have been working where the need is and where the people are. There’s been some unloading and delivering of supplies at the weekend and lots of listening.
“The most common thing we are hearing from residents that we’ve spoken to is a sense of frustration at this happening again, but also a sense of gratitude for our help and that of the other organisations here,” Krystal says.
“A lot of what we are doing is just being there to listen to people, to have a conversation about how they are feeling.”
“We’ve heard a lot from people that ‘Wairoa is resilient’ or, ’it is what it is’, and we know the community is working hard to support each other. Some of the advice we’re giving is as simple as ensuring the people helping others look after themselves too.”
DWST have been working alongside Māori Wardens and other volunteer organisations like Taskforce Kiwi while in the area.
“We’ve built a good relationship as we’re all offering people slightly different things, so we’re referring people on to the right group to get help and vice versa,” Nick added.
Psychological first aid is one thing the DWST team have been offering, speaking to people to offer emotional help and support.
Director of Domestic Operations Jackie Bubb says next steps for our volunteers and regional employees are to continue to help where needed, meeting requests from local authorities where possible.
Responding to emergencies of this nature is part of the critical role New Zealand Red Cross plays here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
We have been able to continue our work in Wairoa thanks to the generous financial support of the general public and the Disaster Response Alliance.
Get involved
Help us to help others when disaster strikes.
Donate to New Zealand Red Cross
Interested in becoming a volunteer with New Zealand Red Cross?
Lead photo: Disaster Welfare and Support Team (DWST) leaders Krystal Boyes (Whanganui) and Nick Webb (Tauranga) deliver supplies in Wairoa.