The Government has announced an additional $100,000 in funding to support communities in Kaikōura and Hurunui affected by recent severe weather. Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, stated that this new funding will go toward the Mayoral Relief Funds, with each district receiving $25,000 to assist with ongoing response and recovery efforts.
This announcement follows an earlier commitment of $150,000 to the Southland and Clutha Mayoral Relief Funds made the same day, demonstrating continued national support for regions facing extreme weather conditions.
The severe weather events in Kaikōura and Hurunui have also been classified as a medium-scale adverse event, triggering additional support from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). MPI will contribute another $25,000 to each district’s Mayoral Relief Fund to assist the rural sector with its initial recovery.
Minister Mitchell acknowledged the challenges faced by affected residents, noting that another weather front is expected to bring further impacts. He commended the resilience and dedication of first responders, iwi, and community leaders who have been working tirelessly to protect and support their communities.
The Mayoral Relief Funds are designed to provide flexible and immediate assistance to local communities, enabling councils to identify and address the most urgent needs of individuals, families, community groups, and marae.
The medium-scale classification also unlocks additional measures for farmers and growers, including potential tax relief, access to Rural Assistance Payments, and the possible activation of Enhanced Taskforce Green to support recovery and clean-up efforts.
