Applications have opened for Wellington City Council’s Moa Point Business Support Grant, which will provide a total of $200,000 in targeted financial support south coast businesses affected by the failure of the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant in February.
Since 4 February, untreated wastewater from the Moa Point Wastewater Treatment Plant has been discharged into Cook Strait, disrupting trading conditions for some south coast businesses — particularly in Lyall Bay where the sewerage outfall pipes are located.
The grant is a one-off, targeted relief initiative designed to support a small number of highly impacted, locally owned businesses that experienced a drop of more than 50% in revenue during February and March as a direct result of the disruption. If businesses do not meet this threshold but are close to it, there will be consideration given if business viability is a key issue, the Council explained in a statement.
Mayor, Andrew Little said the Council recognised the strain on businesses and the importance of providing support.
“Diving shops, surf stores, cafes and fish’n’chips all contribute to the vitality and experience of Wellington’s south coast, and some have been seriously affected by the Moa Pt treatment plant failure,” he said.
“Many are owner-operated and don’t have the cash reserves or insurance to get through the winter months, so it’s important to us a Council to provide practical, short-term support to help businesses most-affected by the failure to stay viable while recovery work continues.”
Eligible businesses can apply for up to $35,000 to help cover business operating costs to support businesses to remain viable.
The grant is available to businesses within a defined high-impact area adjacent to Lyall Bay, as well as those reliant on beach or ocean-related trade.
To be eligible, businesses must demonstrate at least a significant reduction in revenue across February–March 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Applicants must also be locally owned, non-franchised, employ fewer than 20 staff, and have been operating for at least 12 months.
Mayor Little says supporting local businesses is a key part of the Capital’s broader response.
“We’re continuing to work closely with businesses on the ground, as well as with WellingtonNZ, to promote the area and encourage people to visit.”
“While work continues to fix the Moa Point treatment facility, it’s important we also back the businesses and communities affected in the meantime.”
Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 22 May.
Council said the funding is limited and discretionary. Applications will be assessed after the closing date based on eligibility, verified financial impact, and overall demand. Businesses will need to provide supporting financial information, including evidence of revenue loss and details of how the grant will support ongoing operations.
More information, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, is available here: wellington.govt.nz/community-support-and-resources/information-for-businesses-on-the-south-coast.
