Further damage from the huge storm that battered the West Coast was prevented by the great work of our volunteer Fire Service and locals will be extremely grateful, says Labour's MP for West Coast-Tasman Damien O'Connor.

'Our region has been hammered once again but the massive efforts of the volunteer fire brigade prevented further damage to homes and local facilities.

'Thanks to the efforts of many other volunteers, local residents who have left homeless or whose homes have been damaged, are getting the support they need until a full assessment can be carried out.

'No matter how hard the winds blow, the Fire Service's reputation for commitment and action cannot be undermined. Nor will the resilience and determination of local people to get through this and build a better community.

'Our praise and thanks must go out to all the Fire Service volunteers and others who took immediate action during the storm to protect lives and properties across the entire West Coast region.

'While a full Civil Defence emergency was not called, the impact on both the Greymouth and Westport communities is severe and we may still need to call on central Government assistance."

Source: Office of Damien O'Connor.