Disaster support extended through NZ Red Cross and council partnership

The NZ Red Cross has committed $45,000 from the New Zealand Disaster Fund to extend the reach of the Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund. Photo / FNDC

Flood-hit households in parts of the Far North that missed out on official recovery payments will now be able to access extra support through a $45,000 boost from the NZ Red Cross.

The funding, provided through the organisation’s Disaster Fund, will be distributed through the Far North District Council’s mayoral disaster relief fund to help families in the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa ward who are recovering from January’s severe weather.

Heavy rains battered parts of Northland, resulting in significant flooding, multiple slips, damage to roads and some homes being evacuated.

The FNDC said the funding will help households in the rural communities of Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Ward that experienced significant flooding and infrastructure damage but were not eligible for Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) recovery payments.

“This partnership helps close that gap, ensuring assistance reaches those who would otherwise have gone without support. As a result, applications have also been further extended until Sunday, March 22.”

NZ Red Cross general manager for emergency management and international Sean Stewart said they recognise the impact weather events can have on communities.

“Severe weather events can have lasting impacts on communities, particularly in rural areas where recovery options can be limited.

“By partnering with the Far North District Council, we’re able to support households in their recovery, while working alongside local leaders and community networks who understand where the needs are greatest.”

Several communities across the Bay of Islands–Whangaroa Ward were heavily impacted by the severe weather. Families experienced flooding of homes, damage to water systems and infrastructure, and the loss of essential household items.

In some cases, the impacts were significant but fell outside the areas where Civil Defence payments were available.

Through this partnership, the Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund will allocate NZ Red Cross funding to households most in need, working with local council representatives, community leaders and marae networks. This funding will provide support to help affected households replace essential items lost during the flooding, such as beds and bedding, appliances and generators, as well as equipment needed to restore safe water access, including pumps, filters and hosing.

“By working together, New Zealand Red Cross and the Far North District Council can combine humanitarian support with local knowledge and established community relationships, helping ensure assistance reaches households that need it most as recovery continues,” the FNDC said.

For any questions, contact: recoverymanager@fndc.govt.nz