Types of government support for businesses, community groups and individuals impacted by recent weather events

We have compiled an overview of the government funding available to support businesses, community groups and individuals affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and recent weather events with recovery.

Business Recovery Grants (MBIE)

• Grants of up to $40,000 are available to help you to keep operating your business, position you for a successful recovery, and to maintain cashflow. You can apply for a grant if you: 

1. are a business, sole trader or are self-employed;
2. located in Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Tararua, or Wairarapa
3. meet various requirements including those related to cashflow, business viability, other funding provided and a commitment to acting in line with the law and due regard to your employees.

• Further information is available here.

Farmer and Grower Recovery Support (MPI)

• This support is available to farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners in hard-to-reach areas. 
• Grants of up to $10,000 are available to help with initial recovery or up to $2,000 per hectare (up to a maximum of $40,000) to remove silt from trees and vines, support clean-up, and to minimise future losses. 
• Further information on this funding is available here. Applications will be considered until 5pm on 3 April 2023. 
• MPI and Federated Farmers have also restarted the national Feed Coordination Service to support farmers in need of feed and those affected by weather conditions. The service matches buyers of grazing land or supplementary feed with sellers. You can register on the Federated Farmers website or call 0800 327 646.

Mayoral Relief Funds (Local Councils)

• The Government has made contributions to various Mayoral Relief Funds around the country to support residents, ratepayers, small business owners, and not for profit organisations who have suffered financial hardship because of damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. 
• The amounts available vary across the funds. Applications for some of the funds have closed but you can visit your local council office or website for further information on the status of the relevant fund and the eligibility criteria and possible entitlement. 

Civil Defence Payments (WINZ)

• You may qualify for a Civil Defence Payment if you need help to cover the costs of food, bedding, clothing, accommodation, or loss of income and you live in the following areas:

1. all of East Coast (Tairāwhiti and Hawke's Bay);
2. Karekare, Piha, Muriwai and Te Henga in Auckland; and
3. Port Waikato

• Payments vary depending on your situation and whether you apply as an individual or as part of a couple or family group. 
• If you receive a Civil Defence Payment but your insurance covers your costs afterwards, you will need to repay the payment. 
• Further information about eligibility and entitlements is available here.

Urgent or unexpected costs (WINZ)

• Work and Income also offer a payment for urgent or unexpected costs including accommodation costs, car repairs, food and other essentials. You can check your eligibility and apply here.

Temporary Accommodation Service (MBIE)

• The Temporary Accommodation Service has also been activated in affected regions to assist those who need temporary accommodation following the floods and Cyclone. You can register your details here.

Community Support Fund (MSD)

• Community groups who are not contracted by a government agency can apply for up to $20,000 of funding to maintain their response and recovery efforts so they can continue to support the community. 
• Applications can be made through the MSD website and funding must be used by 30 June 2023.

Provider Support Fund (MSD)

• Providers who already have government contracts in the social sector can apply for up to $40,000 in funding to continue to deliver their response and recovery efforts, respond to increased demand on their services, and support the wellbeing of their staff and volunteers. This funding is not intended to replace or cover insurance related matters.
• Applications can be made through the MSD website and funding must be used by 30 June 2023.

Cyclone Gabrielle Welfare Support Grant (NEMA)

• The purpose of this grant is to reimburse certain emergency costs that have already been incurred by marae, iwi, and recognised community organisations to care for people who were affected, displaced, or isolated during the state of national emergency. It provides a faster alternative to the normal process of seeking reimbursement through local authorities for emergency response costs. 
• Grants are usually capped at $40,000 but organisations may be able to apply for a subsequent grant after discussions with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). 
• To be an eligible organisation you must meet several criterion including:

1. being an authorised representative of a marae, an iwi organisation, or a recognised community group;
2. your organisation must be in an area that was placed under a state of national emergency on 14 February 2023 (Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, and Tararua District); and
3. your organisation must have actively supported displaced, isolated, or affected communities during the response to Cyclone Gabrielle, for example by providing emergency accommodation or distributing essential supplies.  

• For more information on this grant and how to apply, visit the Civil Defence website. 

Iwi Response Funding for Adverse Weather Events fund (Te Arawhiti)

• Te Arawhiti is administering a $3 million fund to support iwi-led outreach, response work and engagement. 
• Requests for funding are expected to be between $25,000 to $100,000 depending on the size and need of the iwi, however, requests for funding over $100,000 may be considered. 
• You can apply by submitting a funding proposal form to Te Arawhiti. The form and more details are available here. 

Cyclone Gabrielle Māori Communities Response Fund (Te Puni Kōkiri)

• $9 million has been contributed to the Cyclone Gabrielle Māori Communities Response Fund to provide rapid assistance to marae and hapori Māori. 
• Iwi, hapū, marae, trusts, incorporations, and other Māori organisations/providers are eligible to apply. 
• Further information is available here. Applications can be made by contacting your local Te Puni Kōkiri office and the fund closes on 30 June 2023. 

For further information or assistance, please contact a member of the Public Law team or your usual Duncan Cotterill contact. 

Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.