Gisborne's Mayor says the people of Tai Rāwhiti want the best deal they can get as the council prepares for consultation over the cost-sharing deal struck with the Government to repair damage from Cyclone Gabrielle.
The region has been pummelled by rainfall, bringing down slips, flooding properties, destroying roads and turning land to the consistency of porridge.
The recovery package is worth more than $200 million, including $125 million to rebuild roads and to boost flood resilience, and $64 million for flood protection work for less damaged properties.
There's $15 million for buyouts of the most severely damaged homes, as well as a $30 million interest-free loan to the council to help pay its share of the bills.
Gisborne District Council Mayor Rehette Stoltz spoke to Corin Dann