Recovery
Recovery after severe weather events
The severe weather events earlier this year had a significant impact on communities across the Western Bay of Plenty - affecting homes, properties, roads, livelihoods and wellbeing.
Recovery can feel uncertain and overwhelming at times, and it looks different for everyone. Some people may be dealing with property damage or ongoing assessments, while others may be navigating insurance claims, accommodation challenges, wellbeing impacts or disrupted access to roads and services.
Recovery is often a long-term process. While some issues can be resolved quickly, others take time due to assessments, funding, engineering requirements, environmental considerations and the scale of work involved.
f you would like to contact the Recovery Team, please do so through one of the following two ways as this helps us direct enquiries to the right people:
- email recovery@westernbay.govt.nz
- freephone 0800 926 732.
The Government enquiry into the fatal landslides in Tauranga in 2026 is underway. For more information go here: Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga
Our Recovery Plan
Western Bay of Plenty District Council has formally adopted the Western Bay District Recovery Plan.
While recovery work has already been underway for many months, the plan helps formalise the coordinated approach already happening across the district and sets the direction for the work still ahead.
The plan outlines how Council, Tangata Whenua, government agencies, community organisations and residents will continue working together to support recovery, strengthen infrastructure, improve resilience, and help communities prepare for future weather-related events.
Importantly, the plan also provides a foundation for how recovery will continue to be coordinated during future severe weather events affecting the district.
Read the full Recovery Plan here
Who are the Recovery Team?
The Recovery Team was established following the severe weather events earlier this year to help support affected residents and coordinate recovery activity across the district.
The team helps:
- support affected households through recovery
- coordinate assessments and referrals
- connect people with support services and agencies
- help residents navigate insurance, accommodation and wellbeing support
- support long-term recovery and resilience work
Recovery is not just about repairing damage — it is also about helping people and communities feel informed, supported and connected throughout the process.
We’ve also launched a new Meet our Recovery Team video series to help share more about the people behind the recovery response and the mahi happening across the district.
Hear from Fitu, one of our Recovery Support Officers, as she shares more about her role and the work the Recovery Team is doing across the district. Watch here
Our recovery at a Glance
Since the January and March severe weather events, the Recovery Team has supported 99 recovery cases across the district, with 38 cases still active and continuing to progress through assessments, referrals, and support services.
Current case numbers - 01 July 2026
- 99 total cases
- 61 resolved cases
- 38 active cases
Referrals to support services included:
- Stream, river and planting referrals
- Geotechnical referrals
- NZ Claims Resolution Service referrals
- Utilities/waters referrals
- Psychosocial support referrals
- Temporary accommodation referrals
- Financial support referrals including tax relief
The team continues to work alongside residents, partner agencies and support services to help people navigate recovery and connect with the support they need.
Find out more about the support available and recovery services here
Why does recovery take so long?
Recovery is the process of restoring and rebuilding communities after an emergency or disaster.
This includes:
- repairing damaged infrastructure like roads, bridges and public facilities
- restoring essential services
- supporting people to safely return to homes and businesses
- helping communities recover socially and emotionally
- planning for long-term resilience and future risk reduction
Recovery often begins while the emergency response is still underway and can continue for months or years depending on the scale and complexity of the impacts.
Recovery work can sometimes take longer than people expect. This is normal after large-scale weather events and natural disasters.
Before permanent repairs or solutions can begin, sites often need detailed assessments, engineering design, funding approvals and specialist investigations to make sure the right long-term solution is put in place safely.
Weather, site access, contractor availability and the scale of damage across the district can also affect timing.
We understand delays can be frustrating and disruptive. We are committed to continuing to share updates and information openly as work progresses.
Find out more about road recovery below.
How road recovery works
Road recovery generally happens in stages.
1. Initial safety work
- Temporary repairs are completed to restore access and reduce immediate risks.
2. Detailed assessments
- Engineers assess the full extent of damage, including what may be happening below the surface.
3. Design and planning
- Permanent repair solutions are designed to improve long-term resilience and reduce future risk.
4. Construction
- Permanent repair or rebuild work begins once funding, approvals and site conditions allow.
- Some roads may remain under temporary traffic management or reduced speed limits while investigations and planning continue. This helps keep people safe until permanent repairs can be completed.
Support available
There are a wide range of support services available to help you navigate your recovery journey. These services can connect you with practical, emotional, and financial support when you need it most
Looking after your wellbeing
Recovery can be physically and emotionally demanding. It is normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed or uncertain at different stages of the process.
Support is available, and reaching out early can make a real difference.
If you would like help connecting with wellbeing or psychosocial support services, please contact the Recovery Team.
- email recovery@westernbay.govt.nz
- freephone 0800 926 732.
Working alongside iwi and marae
An important part of recovery is strengthening relationships with iwi and marae across our rohe.
The Recovery Team continues to work alongside iwi, hapū and marae to:
- share information
- support preparedness and planning
- strengthen relationships
- understand how communities can best be supported during emergencies
This work is guided by whakawhanaungatanga, listening and partnership.
What you can do to stay prepared
There are small, practical steps people can take to help reduce risk and be better prepared for future weather events.
These include:
- keeping drains and catchpits clear
- reporting new slips or cracking early
- knowing evacuation routes
- having a household emergency plan
- taking photos of damage after heavy rain
- staying informed through Council updates and emergency information
Preparedness helps protect you, your whānau and your community.
Find out more about emergency preparedness and natural hazards here
