Residents from the 229 flood-affected properties in Edgecumbe Zone 4 will be able to return to their properties from midday today.

This applies to people living on Tawhara Place, Titoki Place, Puriri Crescent, Rata Avenue, Hinau Place, Matipo Place, Bridge Street, Rata Avenue, and College Road from Bridge Street to Edgecumbe College.

Residents are being asked to go to the check-in points at the northern and southern ends of Main Street where their details will be quickly checked and they will be provided with a support information pack before they access their homes.

Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne says it was going to be a hard day for people as they went back to their homes, most of which had sustained moderate to serious damage.

'We feel for the people returning to their homes today. Many of them will need alternative accommodation for the medium to long-term as their homes are repaired.

'We are putting in support to ensure that the people of Edgecumbe have the information and networks to help them through this difficult time.”

Although water is restored to much of Edgecumbe, people are being asked to continue to conserve water as the network remains fragile, and a boil-water notice remains in place.

'There will be tankers in Edgecumbe providing drinking water and we are asking people to bring their own containers,” says Tony.

Around 120 volunteers are expected in the area to help residents who returned on Friday. A total of nearly 500 people have registered as volunteers to support the ongoing clean-up effort in Edgecumbe.

Support and information services are available at Edgecumbe Hall Contact Centre for residents. There are a range of agencies and support services that are available to residents.