3rd February, 2023
Additional funding has been secured to support communities impacted by recent storms and flooding in New Zealand. Here’s a summary of the announcements this week.
At the beginning of the week, $200,000 from both the Auckland Council and central government had been committed to support communities impacted by ongoing flooding in the region.
This was followed by a further $1 million contribution from the government to the Mayoral Relief Fund, designed to support impacted communities and assist in cleaning up in the aftermath of the storms.
Then, on Thursday 2 February, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins revealed a further $700,000 was being made available, with Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni saying the money would be directed towards food response and recovery across impacted areas.
“We’re supporting the response and recovery of Auckland, Waikato, Coromandel, Northland, and Bay of Plenty regions, through activating Enhanced Taskforce Green to help with flood relief efforts,” Sepuloni said in a statement.
“This targeted funding for the clean-up and rural communities is on top of the more than $1 million the Government has already provided to the Mayoral Relief Fund to help communities in Auckland,” Rural Communities Minister Kieran McAnulty said.
Some emergency relief funding is designed to be accessed in addition to other eligible support offered through the Ministry of Social Development.
Applications for the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund can be made online with further assistance options detailed at aem.org.nz.
For all business operators impacted by the flooding who are also customers of MYOB, the business management platform also offers relief.
MYOB spokesperson, Jo Tozer said the plight of flood-impacted people and businesses alike is of deep concern.
“The thoughts of everyone at MYOB are with the communities affected by the floods impacting parts of New Zealand,” said Tozer.
“While efforts for many local businesses will be focused on the immediate consequences of this most recent extreme weather event and prioritising the safety and wellbeing of themselves and loved ones, we are ready to provide support for those seeking to recover and rebuild.
“Our hardship policy is in place for all customers impacted by this event who need assistance and support, and they can find out more by visiting our website.”
The MYOB Financial Hardship Policy is available to all MYOB customers impacted by the floods and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Find out more here.