An Auckland councillor has blasted the Government for giving victims of a deadly tornado that ripped through south Auckland only $100,000.
On Saturday a tornado swept through suburbs around Papatoetoe, uplifting roofs and trees, bringing down power lines and leaving at least 60 homes uninhabitable.
Ports of Auckland confirmed one person was killed at its south Auckland freight hub in Wiri while another person suffered moderate injuries from the tornado.
On Sunday Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi announced a Government donation of $100,000 to help the communities affected.
"While it's too early to know the full cost of the damage, this initial contribution will help those communities start to get back on their feet," he said.
However, Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina told Newshub on Monday the sum would not be enough.
"The fact that the Government has come on board is a good thing. I'm just surprised about the amount. I would have thought, knowing the damage… I would have thought it would have been more...
"$100,000 is $100,000 and you don't scoff at that but I'm hoping this is just the beginning of the relief package for those who were hit by the tornado."
He said he was absolutely surprised a tornado had hit Papatoetoe and is devastated to know about the widespread damage.
"It's just devastating what has happened to our community. Even with the father who has been killed as a result of the tornado, my heart and condolences go out to them."
He's urging affected residents to contact local council members, local boards and to seek help.
Auckland Emergency Management reckons the number of homes affected by the tornado is closer to 1200.
Contractors are expected to be out in force on Monday in Papatoetoe to repair the damage.
Auckland Emergency Management duty controller Parul Sood said response teams are prepared to help with the clean-up on Monday.
"Building inspection teams continue to visit homes affected by the tornado, waste collection is well underway and street clean up contractors continue their efforts.
"Response and inspection teams have visited almost all of the properties in the worst hit areas; however, the nature of tornadoes has them hopping down a path, which can sometimes mean small areas of damage quite a distance away from the main site."
Since the weekend the Ōtara welfare centre has closed and has been replaced with an information centre at Allan Brewster Leisure Centre, which is open between 9am and 7pm.
Normal waste collections have also resumed and there are extra efforts in the affected streets, Auckland Council said.
