Auckland mayor Phil Goff says cost of tornado damage expected to be tens of millions of dollars

Sunday, 20 June 2021

Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi chatted to affected residents in Papatoetoe on Sunday.

Auckland mayor Phil Goff expects the cost of repairing the damage from a tornado that ripped in south Auckland to be “tens of millions of dollars”.

On Saturday, a tornado caused damage across the south Auckland suburb Papatoetoe, killing one person and seriously injuring two people.

On Sunday afternoon, Goff said there was no exact cost for the damage the tornado cost, but it is expected to be “tens of millions of dollars”.

Following the tornado, many residents’ homes were wrecked, with windows shattered, roofing torn off, and cars destroyed.

Have you been affected by the tornado? Contact aucklandnewsroom@stuff.co.nz

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Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is unsure of the costs expected to repair damages but believes it will cost “tens of millions of dollars”.

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Goff estimated over 60 houses were left inhabitable.

Some residents were unable to live in their homes for the night and were forced to find shelter at the Otara Welfare Centre.

Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi said the Government would give $100,000 to a Mayoral Relief Fund to support communities impacted by the tornado.

Goff said the fund would go towards people who are uninsured and facing hardship.

“It will be there as a back-up for people who are suffering in extreme cases.”

“We don't know what the level of demand will be … if there's a higher level of demand than what we're anticipating, then we'll talk again and see whether we can boost that fund further.”

Minister of Social Development Carmel Sepuloni announced the activation of civil defence payments for families who were affected and need support.

The civil defence payment can help with clothing, bedding, food and emergency accommodation.

A hotline number 0800 752 102 will be active from Monday morning for people who need assistance.

Insurance Council of New Zealand expected to know the cost of damages in four to six weeks, as insurance companies prioritise “supporting customers” first.

“The extent of the damage is still being assessed, so we are unsure on figures,” said the spokeswoman.