Councils blown away by volunteer numbers

Volunteers have been helping clean-up Edgecumbe since floodwaters receded.

The number of people who have put their hand up to help clean-up Edgecumbe since floodwaters have receded has blown away local councils.

More than 1190 people have registered with the Ngati Awa Volunteer Army since it was initiated on Monday, April 10.

Ngati Awa and both the Whakatane District and Bay of Plenty Regional Councils have been coordinating these volunteer efforts and already hundreds of homes have benefited from this mahi.

Pim de Monchy, who usually fills the role of Kaituna Catchments Manager at the Regional Council, is helping to coordinate these volunteer efforts with Ngati Awa.

'The number of people who have rolled up their sleeves for Edgecumbe is truly mind blowing.

"They have come from all over New Zealand and as far as Germany and the Czech Republic. Already more than 5,500 hours have been contributed. It can be quite physical so we are immensely grateful for their energy," says Pim.

'Although there is still a lot of work to be done in Edgecumbe the bulk of the work the volunteer army can help with is now winding up.

"For that reason we will be closing off the online registration page at 2pm tomorrow (Friday). We ask that any residents who would still like the volunteer army's help to email edgecumbevolunteers@gmail.com or call 027 562 2230."

There will be no Ngati Awa Volunteer Army organised clean-ups over the weekend.

This is to give locals coordinators a break and a chance to help their own families with their clean-up.

Residents and their families can still collect safety gear for clean ups from the Edgecumbe hall free of charge until 4.30pm on Tuesday, April 25.

Those still interested in volunteering in Edgecumbe have until 2pm on Friday, April 21, and can register by visiting www.boprc.govt.nz/volunteerhub.

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2 comments

Makes me proud

Posted on 21-04-2017 08:17 | By R. Bell

to be a N.zer . Inspirational stuff. Congratulations to all concerned. Robin Bell.


Good to see

Posted on 21-04-2017 10:33 | By Roadkill

Will help those certainly in need to clean up and then be able to return home.


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