More than $150,000 has been allocated to groups and individuals through the Hastings Mayoral Relief Fund, Hastings District Council has announced.
The fund, which the Council says is now almost fully allocated, was open to residents worst affected by the cyclone.
Council civic development sub-committee chair, Malcolm Dixon, thanked those who had
generously contributed to the fund, including the Whanganui District Council that donated $50,000 raised by the Whanganui community, and a large sum from a generous local family business for the Hastings people affected.
“We are very appreciative of this generous support. Our people who have been affected by the cyclone are going through immensely difficult and uncertain times,” said Ms Dixon.
“This funding was distributed to those most affected – recognition of the many different challenges they are facing, and the hard mahi that’s happening by many individuals and groups to help with their recovery.”
The fund had provided $158,000 to 36 different community collectives, individuals and groups directly supporting the recovery and relief efforts – the majority to assist with silt removal (local silt debris pictured).
Funding was also provided to volunteer collectives to help pay for fuel and machinery including the Bay View Volunteer Collective, Waiohiki Arts Village collective, HB Clean Up Crew and the One Voice Community Services Trust who had been working in the Esk Valley area.
Other groups included Surf Life Saving NZ Hawke’s Bay Search & Rescue Squad, Meal Drive Hawke’s Bay to help with hot meals for affected people, the Puketapu School Parent League for school trauma counselling, the Dartmoor raft replacement, and transport for cyclone-affected children to attend a free showing of ‘Worm’ at Toitoi.
Funding support was also given for 10 Small Hall Session gigs in communities affected by the cyclone to bring people together for music and fun.
The second round of the Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief Fund opens on Monday, May 8 for applications up to $10,000.
Council says the criteria has been widened to better support those most affected including those residents with life style blocks.
Information and applications can be made here: www.hbrc.info/HBDisasterFund.
