Photo: Christel Yardley / Waikato TimesTwo Coromandel residents have spoken out about how the Thames-Coromandel District Council's mayoral relief fund has helped fuel repairs from the January storms. While there was a ford in which small vehicles could pass, the flood water made it impassable for at least two days, leaving Potae and his whānau isolated. The fund, which raised over $400,000 to help local residents worst affected by the storm, attracted 244 applicants. Photo: Thames-Coromandel District CouncilWhitianga resident Barry Wrigg shared a similar feeling, especially after watching water flood through the lower section of his property. Like Potae, Wrigg said the funding was essential to cover the cost of uplifting, drying and relaying the carpet as well as replacing the underlay.

Source: Stuff April 10, 2026 01:23 UTC