The Rotorua-based BayTrust rescue helicopter will remain in Whakatane for the duration of Cyclone Cook to assist with any emergencies that may arise.

The news comes after the helicopter was dispatched to Ruatahuna on Tuesday night.

The helicopter and on board team were called to assist with relocating a family to Minginui, who require on-going medical care. The Whakatane District Council Civil Defence team requested the helicopter due to the flood and slip damage in the area.

As the storm intensifies, bringing an expected 300mm of rain over the next three days, the Insurance Council of New Zealand is urging people in the Bay of Plenty to prepare for flooding.

'We want to help communities to reduce the risks they face. If you can get as much of your home contents out of harm's way, secure heavy outdoor objects and park vehicles in garages if possible,” says Insurance Council chief executive Tim Grafton.

Pre-flood tips:

• Move valuables from lower ground including electrical equipment if possible
• Secure outdoor possessions
• Have emergency equipment like portable radio, torch, mobile on hand
• Keep your insurer's contact numbers on hand

'Taking photographic evidence of the flooding and damage to your property will help with your claims assessment and if you need to move damaged or contaminated goods from your house for health and safety reasons.”

Tips for recovery:

• Do not do anything that puts your safety at risk or causes more damage to your property
• Contact your insurer, or insurance adviser. Do not be concerned if you can't find your insurance papers. Insurers have electronic records and need only your name and address.
• Avoid entering flood water, on foot or in a vehicle. Flood water can contain raw sewage and contaminants, can conduct electricity, mask hidden hazards, and pose a serious hazard to health. It may be deeper, or moving faster, than you expect.
• Try to make the buildings safe and weatherproof but don't make any emergency repairs unless it is safe to do so.
• Don't start non-essential repairs without your insurance company's approval.
• If water has entered the property, don't turn on your electricity until it has been inspected by an electrician

• Do what you have to make your home safe and sanitary. Remove and discard any water or mud-damaged goods that pose a health risk, such as saturated carpets and soft furnishings.

• Take photos of damaged property to help speed up the assessments and claims process.
• Do not drive your vehicle if it has suffered water damage

The extent of the insured damage will not be known for some weeks.

Flood recovery support package from Ballance

Ballance Agri-Nutrients has also confirmed a support package for local farmers and the community, to help in the recovery from recent flooding around Edgecumbe and other areas of the Eastern Region affected by flooding.

Chief executive Mark Wynne says the focus is on practical support, tailored to the immediate need and worst affected areas.

'Our people and our Edgecumbe Service Centre are at the heart of this community, and we want to do what we can – working together with others – to help everyone get back on their feet.”

He says local farmers have welcomed the early contact over the weekend about flood recovery decision support tools, and Ballance nutrient specialists are now working directly with farmers to discuss the state of pastures and soil along with the best approach to recovering productivity.

Ballance is offering S0A (sulphate of ammonia) at a special discounted rate of $350/tonne exclusively for locally affected farmers. The sulphate sulphur and nitrogen in this product is ideally-suited to generate a rapid response in pasture following heavy rainfall and flooding.

As part of the support package, Mark says Ballance will be contributing $10,000 to the Edgecumbe & EBOP Mayoral Flood Appeal (https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ebopmayoralfund), and has distributed 300 ponchos to help keep people dry as the rains continue. Local staff are directly involved on the ground and Ballance has three loaders on standby do some of the heavy lifting during the clean-up.

Farmers needing advice should contact their local Nutrient Specialist or call Ballance's Customer Service team on 0800 222 090.