Nga¯ mihi nui kia koutou katoa, My warmest regards to you all

My heartfelt thanks to everyone for your water conservation throughout the district and especially in Dannevirke and Norsewood who are facing an extremely serious shortage.

With little rain in the forecast Council made the decision to open the Emergency Operations Centre. A dedicated team is working full time on this event with a clear objective of providing secure water supplies for Dannevirke and all Tararua. Opening the EOC has helped with co-ordination regionally, bringing in additional assistance as this will be a longer event to manage.

Tararua has often provided this support to other councils throughout New Zealand and we are grateful for the generous support we have received already from throughout the Horizons region. Our website www.tararuadc.govt.nz is being updated daily to keep residents informed and up-to-date with information on usage and the situation with the lack of rain districtwide.

During an event such as this, many aspects are worked on concurrently, managing the issues on a daily basis, planning for the future and putting contingency plans in place.

Myself and councillors are very grateful for the experienced and dedicated team of staff of the Tararua District who are working very hard to ensure our communities are healthy and have access to water. To all our residents and businesses, a huge thank you for your efforts working with us to ensure we all get through. Some residents are making huge sacrifices and I want to reassure you that there is sufficient water for drinking, personal hygiene and cooking, please ensure you are looking after yourselves. If you have any concerns or queries please donot hesitate to contact our service centres s we are here for the well-being of our communities.

It is also incredibly important that we do not put fat and oil down the sink at the moment as there just isnot enough water to wash these through and it would lead to blocked pipes or even worse a fatberg in the pipes to add to our troubles. It isnot good practice anytime but extra consideration to anything being into our system at present is appreciated.

On Sunday, March 15, at 2pm, we will join together as one in Dannevirke at the Council Chambers to commemorate the day New Zealand as a nation showed unity, compassion and love in response to terrorism and an act intending to divide us. The most important thing we can offer is an enduring connection and friendship and this has been a very special privilege for me to share in. We invite the community to join with us, followed by a shared afternoon tea in the Council Chambers accessed through Denmark Street.

The Muslim community would appreciate donations of canned food to be distributed to our food banks. 06 374 4080 or 06 376 0110 info@tararuadc.govt.nz