The Northland disaster recovery model involves services coming out to the people, starting with representatives from a wide range of organisations meeting locals at Mōkau Marae. Health services, particularly mental health support, were a key focus of the hui. Volunteer doctors from Whangārei’s emergency department were working with Ki a Ora Ngātiwai to bring health services out to the area. Emergency Recovery Fund details:The Emergency Recovery Fund is opening on Monday with an initial $130,000 available for communities in Whangārei’s Hikurangi-Coastal Ward, plus Ngaiotonga, Te Rāwhiti and Whangamumu areas of the Far North District. This is to help cover the costs of initial recovery efforts from the storms.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 29, 2026 15:04 UTC