A shed in Esk Valley
Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Kathryn speaks with the man tasked with heading the government’s Cyclone Recovery Taskforce on the massive and complicated job ahead.

The devastation caused by the January and February flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle is still being felt in the North Island. It claimed 11 lives and destroyed properties with an estimated cost of up to $14.5 billion.

Last week the Cyclone Recovery Minister Grant Robertson said 700 cyclone-damaged properties in Hawkes bay and Tairawhiti, have been judged unrepairable and the cost of buying them out will be split between central and local government. 2500 homes will have to have more flood protection work.

Sir Brian Roche chairs the Cyclone Recovery Taskforce – intended to be the bridge between local authorities, the government and the private sector as the long road to rebuild stretches ahead.