Government support for Kaikoura community

The Government is making a contribution of $50,000 to the Kaikōura Mayoral Relief Fund, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell announced today.

"Kaikōura was hard hit by heavy rainfall in early July, resulting in widespread flooding, landslides, road closures and damage to homes and infrastructure.

"My thoughts are with everyone who was impacted. This event caused significant disruption across the district and recovery is ongoing.

"This contribution to the Mayoral Relief Fund has been made in response to a request from Kaikōura District Council and will help meet community needs such as residential waste disposal and replacement of uninsurable items.

"This funding is in addition to an earlier $50,000 contribution to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust to support flood-affected Kaikōura farmers, with matching funding from Federated Farmers," says Mr Mitchell.

"I was on the ground during this event and saw firsthand how well the Kaikōura community supported each other. Thank you to everyone who stepped up quickly to respond to this event and keep people safe - first responders, council and civil defence, iwi and marae, and community members."

Mayoral Relief Funds help communities bounce back after an emergency. Local communities and councils understand where the immediate needs are and how to help individuals, whānau and community organisations, marae.

The funds are in addition to other support that may be available from other agencies such as the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry for Primary Industries.

Mayoral Relief Funds are intended to help fill gaps quickly where an immediate need exists. It's not a replacement for insurance and costs covered by other funding sources.