A week of listening, connection, and the mahi still ahead

Last week was an important stage in our recovery journey.

Across Welcome Bay, Ōmokoroa and Katikati, we came together with communities who have been deeply affected by the recent severe weather. Our Pathways to Recovery sessions were well attended, and while that turnout was encouraging, what stayed with me most was the courage, honesty and generosity people showed in sharing their experiences.

While these sessions were held in three locations, I want to acknowledge that the impacts of the weather event have been felt across our district. In some communities, including Waihī Beach, people have already been working closely through established local groups, and that support continues alongside the wider recovery effort.

For elected members and Council staff, these sessions were first and foremost about listening.

Hearing directly from people about what they have been through – the impact on their homes, their livelihoods, and their sense of security – was heartbreaking. Many spoke about uncertainty that is still very real, several weeks on.

The stress of waiting. The emotional toll of not knowing what comes next. The challenge of navigating complex systems at a time when resilience is already stretched.

Those perspectives matter. They help us better understand what people are facing, where support is landing well, and where gaps still exist.

The sessions also gave us a chance to be open and honest about what Council can and can’t do, and to provide some indication of how recovery typically unfolds.

That honesty is important. Recovery work often happens in stages. Some actions are about making things safe and stable in the short term, while longer‑term solutions take time to plan, fund and deliver. Being clear about that is part of respecting the communities affected.

One message which came through strongly was how confusing this process can be, particularly when issues cross between neighbouring properties, or between private property, watercourses, roads and homes.

Our role is not to work against people or hide behind process. It is to sit alongside them, help make sense of what comes next, and connect them to the right support so they are not navigating recovery on their own.

What has stayed with me most this week is the strength of connection.

Connection between neighbours. Between communities and Council.

Between people who are facing difficult circumstances and those committed to supporting them. Recovery is rarely quick or straightforward, but it is something we get through by working together, with honesty, care and persistence.

Our commitment is to keep listening, to keep showing up, and to keep working alongside our communities as the next stages of recovery unfold.

Thank you to everyone who came along, spoke openly, and trusted us with their stories.

Your voices are shaping the work ahead - and that connection will remain at the heart of how we move forward together.

James Denyer

Western Bay Mayor