Southland's local state of emergency will come to an end at 9.30am on Friday 7 November. Emergency Management Southland confirmed it will move from its emergency response phase into recovery following widespread damage caused by severe weather in late October.
Rex Capil has been appointed Recovery Manager under section 29 of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act to lead the recovery process. He is currently the group manager for community spaces and places at Invercargill City Council. Russell Pearson will act as Alternate Recovery Manager.
Emergency Management Southland Alternate Controller Jonathan Shaw said, "The recovery process is about supporting people to rebuild their lives and restore their emotional, social, economic and physical wellbeing. It is more than simply building back infrastructure."
He added, "We know some are still without power. The focus will remain on providing essential supplies and services to communities and support to individuals."
Despite the emergency phase ending, many areas remain affected. Invercargill, Bluff, and Southland District still have closed parks, reserves, cemeteries and playgrounds due to storm damage. These areas remain closed for safety reasons. People are advised not to enter storm-damaged sites or collect firewood until it is safe. Parks in Gore and Winton are open.
Councils are continuing to assess tree damage. Southland District Council has already inspected over 5000 tree sites, with some areas still requiring urgent work. Invercargill City Council is preparing for free green waste and scrap metal drop-offs once it is safe.
Power outages persist across both Southland and South Otago. As of Tuesday afternoon, 48 customers in Southland and 67 in South Otago remain without electricity. PowerNet chief executive Paul Blue said, "Your patience and your kindness to our crews has been nothing short of outstanding."
PowerNet urged people who submitted forms before power was restored in their area but are still without power to contact them again. They also reminded residents to consult an electrician if there is damage to service lines on their property.
With Guy Fawkes approaching, officials have asked Southlanders to use fireworks carefully to avoid fires and further pressure on emergency services.
Support continues through open community hubs offering power, showers and Wi-Fi. Rural Support Trust, Emergency Management Southland, and other organisations will also host a community BBQ in Woodend on Friday 7 November to support locals.