Auckland Libraries promote flood resilience campaign

Auckland Council has launched a flooding resilience campaign across Auckland libraries, offering vital resources to help residents prepare for and reduce the effects of flooding.

As part of the campaign, which is running until the end of winter, libraries across Auckland have set up informative displays and are distributing the "Preparing your Property for Flooding" guide.

Available in multiple languages, including English, Te Reo Māori, Tongan, Samoan, Hindi, Korean, and Chinese, the guide provides essential tips on making properties more flood resilient.

Additionally, a flyer featuring QR codes allows residents to easily download the guide in their preferred language.

Craig McIlroy, Flood Resilience general manager emphasised the importance of community involvement in flood preparedness.

"We all have a role to play in managing stormwater around our properties. Simple actions like clearing debris from drains and gutters can make a big difference."

Daniel Blomfield, Manager of Botany Library in Howick, highlighted the strong community interest in these resources.

"The English and Chinese guides have been 'going out the door.' We get a lot of library visitors, between 400,000 to 450,000 a year, and people are very interested in anything that directly impacts them."

He shared an example of a visitor who, after being introduced to the Flood Viewer website by a librarian, discovered critical information about her property and immediately shared it with her friends.

Additional information

The Flood Viewer, promoted through the campaign, offers an interactive map where residents can input their address to check for natural hazards like overland flow paths or flood plains. The site also provides videos, guides, and resources for flood preparation, storm safety, and post-flood clean up.

Libraries across the region, including those in Mangere East, East Coast Bays, Browns Bay, St Heliers, Papakura, and New Lynn, have seen significant interest in the campaign. In total, 4,500 guides and 2,800 A5 flyers have been distributed. The initiative is further supported by digital screen displays across council facilities.

The campaign has been funded Central Government's Accelerating Storm Readiness fund.

The fund is also being used to increase the removal of critical blockages in streams by Healthy Waters' Operations teams as well as encouraging residents to engage in community efforts to clean up local streams, helping reduce flood risks in their neighbourhoods.

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