- Hon Mark Mitchell
- Hon Chris Penk
The Government is providing further contributions to Mayoral Relief Funds to help communities impacted by recent severe weather events, Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell announced today.
"The impact of the weather events in January and February has been significant, and we want to make sure communities have the support they need," Mr Mitchell says.
"The government has agreed to provide additional 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.
"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.
"Local communities and councils understand where the immediate needs are and how to help. Mayoral Relief Funds help local communities to support individuals, families, community organisations and marae after an emergency.
"Mayoral Relief Funds have previously been used for activities such as cleaning septic tanks, filling water tanks, and clearing debris from properties."
Associate Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Chris Penk says the government is 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.
"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."
Note to editors
Government contributions to Mayoral Relief Funds are intended to help fill gaps quickly where an immediate need exists. It's not a replacement for insurance and costs covered by other funding sources.
The contribution is not intended to cover recovery costs which may already be the responsibility of central government agencies or local authorities. It is a fund that allows Mayors and councils the discretion to dispense relief where there is urgent need and other assistance is not available.
