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Friday, 17 February 2023 11:55

$2 million support package for East Coast

Written by  Staff Reporters
State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa after Cyclone Gabrielle hit the area. Photo Credit: NZ Defence Force State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa after Cyclone Gabrielle hit the area. Photo Credit: NZ Defence Force

Emergency Management and Rural Communities Minister Kieran McAnulty has announced a $2 million contribution to disaster relief funds with the aim of supporting affected communities on the East Coast of the North Island impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Gisborne District Council says food, water and fuel have started arriving in Tairāwhiti which had previously been cut off entirely, without power, phone signal or a road out.

However, Gisborne is also in the midst of a critical water situation with residents urged to reduce their usage.

The cyclone came just under a month after the East Coast region was hit by the effects of ex-Cyclone Hale.

“Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage across the East Coast and this contribution will make sure financial support can be given to affected communities as quickly as possible,” McAnulty says.

“The Government is making an initial contribution of $1 million to each of the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay disaster relief funds.”

McAnulty says it is too early to know the full cost of the damage, but he says the Government wants to ensure the impacted regions have the resources to get immediate support to those who need it.

“I’m anticipating more requests for support as the need across affected regions becomes clearer.”

He says he’s been on the ground in the region with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and MP for the East Coast Kiritapu Allan to gain a gauge of the impact first hand, and he plans to get to other affected communities over the course of the next few days.

“My thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle over recent days. What we saw today was gut wrenching.

“We know we have a long recovery ahead of us and the Government is committed to supporting communities through this.”

McAnulty says he wants to thank the local Council, Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, marae, volunteers, and first responders “who have all stepped up to keep people safe”.

“The focus at the moment, for all those involved, is on continuing to respond to the emergency event. Central government continues to be available to support the local response teams as needed.”

In total, the Government has announced $27.5 million in funding for those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle over the last month, including $4 million for farmers and rural communities announced on Tuesday.

For assistance, contact:

  • Farmers needing support around dealing with floods are encouraged to visit the MPI website Dealing with floods | NZ Government (mpi.govt.nz)
  • DairyNZ: 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 432 479 69)
  • Beef + Lamb New Zealand: 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 233 352)
  • Federated Farmers: 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646)
  • Horticulture New Zealand: 0508 467 869
  • Farmers can contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 RURAL HELP or 0800 787 254

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