Tautoko ā-pūtea- funding and initiatives to support impacted whānau

National Emergency Management Agency – provides correct, credible and timely information about Civil Defence activity at both a national and regional level. Visit Civildefence.govt.nz for the latest news, updates and support.

Te Puni Kōkiri Cyclone Gabrielle Māori Communities Response Fund – iwi, hapū, marae trusts and incorporations, plus other Māori entities and providers in cyclone affected areas are eligible for this funding. Distributed through Te Puni Kōkiri, funds are available for:

• Capacity support such as relief staffing, clean-up expenses, generators and communication equipment
• Recovery planning and co-ordination costs
• Marae infrastructure and support costs such as securing temporary storage for taonga and food.

Read the FAQs here and make enquires about funding at your local Te Puni Kōkiri office

Civil Defence payments - Whānau based in Te Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki, Waikato, Hauraki, Matamata, Te Tairāwhiti, Takitimu, Manawatu, Wairarapa and Horowhenua may be able to get a Civil Defence Payment to get help to pay for food, bedding, clothing, or temporary accommodation. Visit WorkandIncome.govt.nz to apply for funding.

Temporary Accommodation Service is working with whānau across all flood and cyclone affected areas. Visit Temporary Accommodation Service to register your details and a temporary accommodation coordinator will call you in a few days to discuss helping you find temporary housing. 

Farmer and grower recovery funding – is available to whenua Māori owners and other farmers significantly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. This is to help kick-start recovery efforts including undertaking urgent work such as fencing, clearing silt to save trees and vines and repairing water infrastructure for livestock. Visit MPI.govt.nz to apply for funding, read about support for whenua owners and animal welfare.

Community Support Packages are available to help supplement the existing work of community groups and social sector providers of food and other services to whānau in effected areas. For eligibility information and to apply for funding, visit the Ministry of Social Development website.

Te Arawhiti Iwi funding to support direct iwi partnerships and relationship activities, strategic leadership and coordination. For more information Te Arawhiti website. 

Business Recovery Support – is available to affected businesses in Te Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Te Tairāwhiti, Hawkes Bay and Tararua affected by 2023 flooding in the North Island and Cyclone Gabrielle. Grants are to help businesses keep operating and maintain cashflow. Visit Business.govt.nz for details.

Whānau Ora - directly funds Commissioning Agencies to manage communications and coordination and to augment and deploy workforce to impacted regions and support whānau with things like kai, temporary shelter or accommodation, and wellness checks. Visit Whānau Ora to see funded partners in affected regions.

He kupu āwhina - guidance and support

Hauora - if you or whānau are unwell, call Healthline 0800 611 116 for advice and support. The other avenue is to contact your local health provider or visit health.govt.nz to read about water and kai safety, including cleaning and restoring your whare after a flood.

Stress and anxiety - Te Whatu Ora|Health New Zealand, alongside Te Aka Whai Ora|Māori Health Authority, are expanding wellbeing initiatives to support impacted residents in flood and cyclone-affected areas. 

A team of counsellors, mental health professionals and support workers is being stood up to support and boost existing help on the ground.  

It’s important that people look after their mental health and wellbeing and that of those around them. Those who are able should reach out to loved ones, neighbours and colleagues to check in and ask how they’re doing and help where they can. These simple things can make a big difference to our wellbeing.  

Where to get help: 

• Healthline – Call 0800 611 116 for health advice and information
• Need to talk? – Call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
• Depression Helpline – Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions
• Youthline – Call 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz, or go to co.nz for an online chat
• The Lowdown – Text 5626 for support to help young people recognise and understand depression or anxiety
• Alcohol Drug Helpline – Call 0800 787 797 to speak with a trained counsellor
• Call 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP) to arrange a free and confidential chat at a place that suits you. rural-support.org.nz
• farmstrong.co.nz is a nationwide wellbeing programme for the rural community. Their aim is to help you live well to farm well. On their website you can find a range of resources to help you manage your wellbeing. 
• You can download the Groov and Headstrong wellbeing apps free for android and Apple phones. Just go to Google Play or the Apple app store.

Weather warnings - stay up to date with the latest weather information from MetService, Te Ratonga Tirorangi. Visit MetService.com website or their mobile app and on social media from @MetService on Facebook and Twitter.

Road closures - there are many roads closed due to slips and washed-out bridges. Visit journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic for detailed road and traffic information.

Protecting Māori Heritage – as part of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga response to Cyclone Gabrielle, two advice sheets are provided focusing on wharenui and urupā care after flooding. Visit Heritage.org.nz for information.  

Photo credit: New Zealand Defence Force