Lending a hand in Hobsonville
I’ve just visited the area in Hobsonville that was torn apart by yesterday’s tornado.
I was joined by West Auckland MPs Phil Twyford, David Cunliffe and Phil Goff.
We were shocked by the amount of damage that has been done. It was much worse than we had anticipated. There is still debris scattered over properties, trees have been ripped from their roots, roofs ripped off and windows smashed.
Some residents are now being given the very difficult news that their homes are beyond repair.
It is devastating for the residents but there’s a great Kiwi ‘can do’ attitude and they’re determined to get stuck in, to clean up and get their lives back on track.
I also saw first-hand the fantastic job the emergency services are doing helping residents pick up the pieces. Urban Search and Rescue, the Police, Civil Defence and the Defence Force are all working well together to provide a co-ordinated relief effort.
Red Cross and social agencies are pitching in too and welfare centres are finding people alternative accommodation.
Our thoughts today though are with the family and friends of Tom Stowers, Keith Langford and Brendon Johnson who lost their lives at a construction site when the tornado struck yesterday.
We extend our sincere condolences to all those who knew them.
Our hearts also go out to those who are recovering from their injuries in hospital. We wish them a speedy recovery.
Our Auckland MPs are committed to supporting the community in any way we can. Please get in touch with us if there’s anything we can do.
Yours
David Shearer
Labour Leader
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