More than a dozen households in Levin are still unable to return to their tornado-struck homes.
One of the houses damaged after a tornado hit Levin last week. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Twenty of the 51 properties reported damaged have been red stickered - 17 of which are residential.
Three families are still in emergency accommodation, a week on from the freak storm.
"Community really is working together to try help those most impacted" - Monique Davidson
Horowhenua District Council chief executive Monique Davidson said the council's focus has been on supporting those families not able to return to their homes.
She said the council's priority is to put get them accommodation that they can call home for the next six to 12 months.
"But that has its challenges ... we are working with MBIE to hopefully secure some emergency temporary accommodation that is likely to be brought into the district to assist."
Davidson said exactly where this prefab housing could be placed is still being worked out and they would prefer to put people into existing homes if possible.
"But it's good to have an alternative solution that we're working on should there not be enough supply for us to meet their requirements."
Davidson said some of the red-stickered buildings will be able to be repaired, but there will be challenges with getting supplies and workforce availability.
But some owners in conjunction with their insurance companies will be considering whether it is best to demolish and start again, she said.
Davidson said the community is used to adverse weather events, but a tornado was a shock.
She said the community has rallied in the week since it happened and provided a lot of support to those affected.