Thread by @melulater

#PMChippy and Grant Robertson ate doing the post Cabinet presser. Currently listing where things are at in the emergency response to Cyclone Gabrielle before talking about the recovery.

Last week the national State of Emergency was declared for only the third time.
It will be extended for another seven days to allow central co-ordination, and despite every region being at a different place, still applies for every province covered by the existing SoE. #PMChippy

A Minister will be appointed to liaise with each region.
A task force lead by Sir Brian Roache will be established for the recovery and a Cabinet Committee lead by Grant Robertson with Barbara Edmonds as his Associate Minister will be established. #PMChippy

#PMChippy will be appointing the regional liaison Ministers tonight.
There is an initial rebuild fund established.
Chippy has gone over the week ahead.
Grant Robertson now speaking about what has already been provided.

Initial package decided at Cabinet today. More to come in coming weeks.
1. Re-establish transport infrastructure
2. Business support package of $50 million - tax relief & banking support too.

The Minister of Immigration has progressed work for people to come into NZ.
#PMChippy

Care for RSE workers a priority.
Emergency roading fund established for local roads and SH network.
Some roads in the long term may not be replaced - that is a long term decision, not a decision for now. #PMChippy

JMM asks #PMChippy about National's idea to double sentences on those committing crime in Hawkes Bay - police say there is not an increase in crime, overstating it is not helpful.

Funding announced today, $250 million is for the Emergency Roading Fund and is only the BEGINNING. It is for the immediate needs of reconnection.
What may not be rebuilt is not a now decision. #PMChippy

Grant discussed with businesses in the Hawkes Bay how the Business Package could be implemented. Expected this will be working within a week and allows businesses some breathing time to decide priorities & deal with immediate needs. #PMChippy

Labour to do the rebuild is important - the right Labour in the right place.
Gearing up for temporary accommodation for the displaced.
Local councils, Kainga Ora and other organisations are getting together to get flexible options.
#PMChippy

Calls for the govt to buy out homeowners in the devastated areas - including from Labour MP Phil Twyford. Grant acknowledges Phil's advocacy.
IMO, in regards to managed retreat, this is possibly an option govt may need to consider. #PMChippy

The economic response to the response/recovery/rebuild is like a "rolling maul" because it will be an evolving event, we don't yet know what we do not know. Grant is saying this is why the Cabinet Committee has been established for the ongoing decision making. #PMChippy

We already have fast track consenting legislation, but it is very possible we will need some custom legislation for this rebuild and will seek concensus on that.
No decisions made on pushing back the Census yet. #PMChippy

Whatever the RBNZ does in regards to interest rates is the proviso of the RBNZ, and they are independent of the government says Minister of Finance Grant Robertson. #PMChippy

In regards to people wanting to rebuild in an unsuitable place, #PMChippy says there is time yet to deal with it.

Have faith in the police, because they are dealing with facts, not conjecture.
If residents are setting up checkpoints, they should do so with the police.
Most people videoing are not doing so to commit crime, but a lot is "disaster tourism". #PMChippy

Climate Change adaptation is clearly going to have to be embedded in the response says #PMChippy so will be meeting with CC Minister James Shaw later this week to take options to Cabinet next week.

Are bank profits too high?
#PMChippy says he'll pass that to the Finance Minister.
Grant smiles.
Chippy says he reiterates the comments of the previous PM on how a bank should behave.

No update on the number of people officials have grave concerns for.
And there endeth the Post-Cab Presser.
#PMChippy