Gisborne District Council Mayor, Rehette Stoltz, says an injection of $150,000 from the Government into the city’s Mayoral Relief Fund will help people impacted by the recent flooding from ex-Tropical Cyclone Hale.
The Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty announced the funding late last week.
Mayor Stoltz said she was delighted the Government has released the funding in the wake of the cyclone.
“This additional funding is hugely appreciated. It will assist us in supporting our community in the massive clean-up effort ahead and supports our most vulnerable people in the face of more wet weather on the horizon,” the Mayor said.
“I want to sincerely thank Minister McAnulty for the continued support. It will touch the lives of many in our region but also reminds us that we are not alone.”
Minister McAnulty said that while Cyclone Hale had caused widespread heavy rain, flooding and high winds across many parts of the North Island, Tairāwhiti had suffered the most severe damage.
“This funding will assist impacted communities as they begin their clean-up,” he said.
“My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by Cyclone Hale over recent days. Tairāwhiti communities have already been through a number of severe weather events over the last year and the Government is committed to supporting the recovery effort.”
The funds are in addition to other support that people may be eligible for through the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry for Primary Industries.