The Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund remains open for individuals, businesses, farmers and community organisations who have suffered hardship due to damages caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

With grants of up to $1000 for individuals and $2000 for community groups, farmers, businesses including sole-entrepreneurs and marae, Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis is encouraging people and organisations who are going through hardship, to consider applying to the fund. “We know there are people and groups out there struggling with the ongoing effects of Cyclone Gabrielle and for many, asking for this kind of help doesn’t come naturally, but this fund is specifically designed to help our people.”

The fund is available as one-off support to residents and ratepayers of Tararua and has been generously supported by donations contributed both locally and from all over Aotearoa. To date the fund has been able to help 67 Cyclone affected people, businesses and organisations.

A key priority for the fund continues to be supporting the wellbeing of individuals and families who have faced hardship as a result of the cyclone, ensuring peoples basic needs are met, especially where people are uninsured or under insured.

For the likes of businesses, farmers and marae, the fund can also be used for assisting with insurance excess payments and the extra financial burdens and costs not covered by insurance or other funds. From filling water tanks and dealing with septic tank overflow, to replacing articles that cannot be insured like fences and footpaths.

To apply, head to www.tararuadc.govt.nz/recovery, and click the ‘economic recovery’ tab to find the online form, or to download an application form and criteria. For anyone needing in person assistance to apply, drop into any of our Council offices.