Tauranga Mayoral Relief Fund launched after deadly flooding and slips

Tauranga Mayor Mahe Drysdale. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

A Mayoral Relief Fund has been launched in Tauranga following last week’s severe weather, which left people dead, homes damaged and parts of the city in disarray.

The fund will be kick-started with a $100,000 contribution from Central Government, part of a broader $1.2 million recovery package announced for six regions impacted by the extreme weather event.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the fund was designed to meet urgent and unmet needs as the city begins the recovery process following what he described as devastating and tragic events.

“The fund is a step towards helping our community and city recover, ensuring those affected can be supported while longer-term needs are identified and addressed,” Drysdale said.

Last week’s heavy rainfall caused flooding and landslides in several areas of Tauranga, damaging homes, infrastructure and community facilities. The weather event claimed lives, leaving families and whānau grieving while also facing displacement, financial strain and uncertainty.

Drysdale said the fund also responded to strong public demand from residents wanting to help those affected.

“Our community has been asking how they can help. This fund provides a way for people to contribute, whether their donation is large or small. Every contribution will go directly to supporting those affected and helping make a difference,” he said.

Funds raised will be used to support the immediate needs of families who have lost loved ones, as well as individuals and whānau impacted by damage to homes or loss of income. Assistance will also be available for local businesses and community groups affected by the severe weather.

The mayor said funding would also be directed towards recovery efforts at Mauao, which sustained significant damage during the storm. The maunga is a treasured and culturally significant landmark, widely regarded as a symbol of the city.

Support will also be provided to community and volunteer groups involved in clean-up and recovery efforts across Tauranga, many of which have played a critical role in responding to the aftermath of the weather event.

The Mayoral Relief Fund will operate alongside the Western Bay Emergency Response Fund, a joint initiative between Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, TECT, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. That fund focuses on supporting local organisations, marae and charities responding to community needs following the storm.

A separate mayoral relief fund has also been established by Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Donations can be made to Tauranga City Council, account number 06 0433 0213474 00, with the donor’s name listed as the particulars and “Mayoral Relief Fund” used as the reference. The council says it assures people that funds will be distributed to those most in need as recovery efforts continue.