Council workers and contractors in Invercargill have been head down, doing “big work” to clean up the city’s parks after last week’s strong winds toppled and pulled trees from their roots.
Invercargill was lashed by last week’s winds, which reached up to 120km/h, causing widespread destruction.
The city is still under a local state of emergency, with all parks in Invercargill and Bluff closed until further notice.
In Queens Park, crews have spent the last few days clearing fallen trees littered throughout the park that were blocking paths and making it unsafe for the public.
Tree Tech managing director Chris Walsh, a contractor called in to help clear the park, said the damage caused by the wind was “devastating”.
“The park’s just been absolute carnage right throughout.
“Heads of trees have just been blown everywhere, all over the park.”
Walsh told 1News he completed his apprenticeship at the park and planted many of the trees that were blown over.
“It’s very heartbreaking.”
The focus was now on recovery, and Walsh expected it to take three or four weeks of “big work” to get the park back in order.
Caroline Rain, Parks and Recreation manager at Invercargill City Council, said the storm had damaged every park in the city.
“The scale is next level for an inner city area.”
Rain was near the park when the wind first hit.
“It was actually quite terrifying, it was almost like seeing a wall of wind coming towards us.
“Hearing the cracks happening in the park coming towards us, and then seeing the trees actually fall down in front of us all around the playground.”
She was “so thankful” nobody was in the park when the wind was so heavy.
Rain was unsure how many trees had been lost or how much the clean up would cost.
She urged the community to be “patient with us” while the clean up took place.
“If we say they’re not safe or they’re coned off, please stay out of them – they are not safe.”
Newly sworn-in Invercargill Mayor Tom Campbell said the council would “build back better” in the park he described as “a jewel in the crown”.
“There’s devastation, but it will come back,” he said.
“It’s only a matter of time before we clean up enough and we can get it reopened.”
Campbell said the work was “not going to be cheap” but he was sure it wouldn’t be “mega-millions”.
The new mayor also praised the community and volunteers who “gave up their time to get the place cleaned up quicker”.
Southland state of emergency extended
On Thursday afternoon, Southland mayors announced an extension to the region’s state of emergency.
The state of local emergency, which was due to be lifted at 9am on Friday, would now extend until Friday, November 7.
Southland District Mayor Rob Scott acknowledged the good progress that had been made after extreme winds led to extensive power outages and downed trees last week.
“There is still a great deal more to do with areas yet to be assessed and the damage managed, with many parks, reserves and playgrounds closed until they can be declared safe,” Scott said.
“We want everyone to stay safe and I urge everyone to keep away from closed areas and trees and powerlines.”
The Southland Mayoral Relief Fund has been activated to provide “vital support” to those affected by the weather event, Emergency Management Southland said. The Government contributed $75,000 to the fund, while the Ministry for Primary Industries donated $50,000 to be split between Southland and Clutha.
Southland controller Mark Radcliffe urged anyone in a position to contribute to please do so, adding that donations “can make a real difference”.
“We know this has been a tough time for our region, and many are still recovering,” Radcliffe said.
“For those in a position to help, donating to the Mayoral Relief Fund is one of the most direct ways to support our neighbours and communities as they rebuild.”
Applications for support were now open.
