The Government has announced further contributions to Mayoral Relief Funds to help communities impacted by recent severe weather events.
Minister for Emergency Management, Mark Mitchell said the impact of weather events in January and February had been significant.
“We want to make sure communities have the support they need,” Mr Mitchell said.
The Government has agreed to provide additional $100,000 contributions to the Mayoral Relief Funds established by Whangārei District Council, Thames-Coromandel District Council, Gisborne District Council, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
“These $100,000 top-ups follow the initial contributions made to those funds in January,” said Mr Mitchell.
“We are also providing $100,000 to each of the Ōpōtiki District Council, Ōtorohanga District Council, and Waipa District Council Mayoral Relief Funds and $30,000 to the Christchurch City Council Mayoral Relief Fund.
“These contributions will help local authorities tackle the most immediate areas of need within their communities, while the broader recovery efforts get underway.”
Associate Emergency Management and Recovery Minister, Chris Penk said the Government was working to ensure the recovery is well supported at the national level.
“We have established a National Recovery Office within the National Emergency Management Agency to ensure there is a joined-up approach across government agencies and the impacted regions,” he said.
“A wide range of government agencies are involved with the recovery efforts, such as the Ministry for Primary Industries who are supporting growers and farmers through Rural Support Trusts, Te Puni Kōkiri who are supporting marae to strengthen resilience and emergency preparedness for community responses to future events, and the Ministry for the Environment who are helping local authorities clear emergency waste.
“There can be a long tail to these events in recovery, but I am committed to ensuring any barriers are addressed quickly and effectively so impacted people, businesses and communities can get back on their feet as quickly as possible.”
