Government announces nearly $2.5m across three funds for regions impacted by weather

The Government has announced funds to support regions, marae and farmers impacted by severe weather. Photo / Reece Hopkins

Nearly $2.5 million in Government funding has been announced so far for regions impacted by severe weather events across the upper North Island last week, including Tairāwhiti.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a $1m Marae Emergency Response Fund to reimburse marae for welfare support provided during and after the storm.

There was also $1.2m announced to support affected regions through Mayoral Relief Funds.

Extra funds will allow marae to replenish resources and build resilience, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said.

Potaka said that, between January 20-23, “flooding and landslips caused widespread disruption across Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti, with marae opening their doors to evacuees, stranded travellers and isolated residents – often among the first to activate".

“At least 20 marae across five regions activated to support their communities, providing kai, shelter, power and essential support to anyone who needed it.

“This fund ensures marae are not left carrying the costs of that mahi [work], allowing them to replenish what was used, recover from the immediate response and continue to build their resilience for future events.”

The $1m allocation has been added to the Māori Development Fund, enabling Te Puni Kōkiri to provide one-off reimbursement grants to marae that delivered welfare support.

“Marae or related organisations that provided welfare support can apply for reimbursement grants by contacting their regional Te Puni Kōkiri office to begin the process,” Potaka said.

Today, the Government announced it was increasing financial assistance for farmers and growers hit by the recent storms, with an additional $200,000 for Rural Support Trusts to support recovery efforts.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson said significant rainfall, flooding, slips and hailstorms had caused damage to farms, crops, and rural infrastructure.

“The full extent of the damage is still being assessed; however, this funding will be made available in Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti,” McClay said.

Potaka, as Associate Minister of Housing, activated the Government’s Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) to support people displaced by the weather events in those four regions.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) Temporary Accommodation Service is accepting registrations from people who have been displaced, or who expect they may need temporary accommodation as a result of the recent weather events.

“MBIE is working closely with Civil Defence Emergency Management, the National Emergency Management Agency, local councils, communities and iwi to ensure a seamless transition for people in need to access safe, suitable accommodation,” Potaka said.

“Agencies will continue to work together to provide wrap-around support for communities affected by the severe weather events, including social services, mental health support, financial support and more.

“I want to acknowledge and thank all those marae, whānau, communities and organisations who have supported people with housing need at this very difficult time.”

People affected by the recent severe weather who have a current, or expected future need for temporary accommodation, are encouraged to register via the TAS website: www.tas.mbie.govt.nz or phone 0508 754 163.

At this stage, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said it was too early to confirm the number of registrations for the Temporary Accommodation Service.