The Ngāti Awa Volunteer Army are suiting up and heading back into Edgecumbe as volunteer clean-up efforts enter their fourth day.

Bay of Plenty man Simon Geddes has taken on the role of site manager and is overseeing around 50 volunteers on Rata Avenue.

Teams have to dig through silt to get to some homes before stripping them of saturated furniture, damaged whiteware and mud-covered carpet.

Mr Geddes said it's been emotionally and physically taxing work, and there's still a long way to go.

"The owners are really upset when they've turned up, so it's been pretty trying for some of our team leaders - some of them had to take a break because it's been quite emotional," he said.

"People's stuff that they treasure just utterly destroyed."

Lead Minister for Edgecumbe, and resident of nearby Ohope, Anne Tolley, says the efforts of volunteers are appreciated and she's "proud" to be part of such a helpful community.

"I've talked to one person who was just overwhelmed that people would people give up their Easter holidays to come and get dirty and help people out."

Ms Tolley says some people want to be left alone to do the work on their properties themselves, which is being respected.

She said it seems 14 houses will have to be completely demolished, but that number will become much clearer in the coming days.

"[There are] a number of other houses that have to have some severe renovations and rehabilitation before they can be lived in."

Yesterday it was announced that a Temporary Accommodation Service is being activated for Edgecumbe residents displaced by the floods.

The government is collecting registrations from people with nowhere to live and linking them to accommodation.

Building and Construction Minister Nick Smith said those with a "current or expected need following the Edgecumbe floods" should register their details at temporaryaccommodation.mbie.govt.nz.

Edgecumbe residents can also call 0800 779 997 to discuss their situation.

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