The Government is launching an urgent independent review into Wairoa's flooding response last week after outcry from locals.
The review comes after concerns were raised about Hawke's Bay Regional Council failing to act sooner to open the river bar, which would have prevented 400 properties from flooding.
Locals are furious the council didn't act sooner, with a contractor who was called in to do the job saying it was ridiculous they weren't mobilised until it was too late.
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds said in a statement on Wednesday that the Ministry for the Environment will lead an urgent and targeted review into the flood response.
"Significant concerns have been raised by the Wairoa community about the management of the Wairoa River bar by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council and the impact this had on flooding of properties in the district," Simmonds said.
"This review will look at whether there was adequate monitoring of the state of the Wairoa River bar; whether correct decisions were made in a timely way; and whether there were any other actions that could have been taken.
"It is about finding out where improvements can be made so we can better manage future events and protect communities."
The review is expected to take about four weeks. Any findings and recommendations will be presented to Hawke's Bay Regional Council in August.
The review comes as the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, also announced during a visit to the battered region on Wednesday that the Government was providing an additional $500,000 to the Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund.
Mitchell had announced last week that the Government would contribute $300,000 to the Mayoral Relief Funds to help communities in Hastings, Wairoa and Tai Rāwhiti.
"I have been back on the ground in Wairoa today to get a further sense of the impacts and recovery operations, and to meet with affected community members and the people providing support," he said in the joint statement with Simmonds on Wednesday.
"Last week's flooding has been really tough for Wairoa, particularly following the impacts of other severe weather events in the past couple of years, and the District Council have indicated that they require financial support to clean up damaged properties.
"Today's additional contribution to the Mayoral Relief Fund will provide support for the community's immediate and pressing needs, such as section clean ups, replacing clothes and bedding, and the hire and purchase of drying and dehumidifying equipment."
Mitchell also said it was heartening to see communities rally together for support.
"I'd like to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of volunteers, Civil Defence and council, emergency services, iwi, contractors and everyone who is supporting the Wairoa community," he added.
