Earthquake relief funding and subsidies
There is a range of financial support available to people who have been affected by the 14 November Kaikoura earthquake.
Mayoral Earthquake Fund: Applications for Emergency Assistance
The Mayoral Earthquake Fund is open for applications for emergency assistance prior to Christmas for individuals and families. This is a welfare fund and priority will be given to:
- essentials for daily life
- uninsured or costs not covered by insurance
- where there is financial burden due to the earthquake
Round 1: Applications for the first round of funding close 16 December 2016 with a decision made and funds allocated by 25 December.
Round 2: The timing for applications for the second round of funding in 2017 has yet to be decided.
Primary Industries' Earthquake Relief Fund
The Government announced $4 million for an Earthquake Relief Fund for primary industries for uninsurable infrastructure repair as a result of the 14 November 2016 earthquake affecting the Hurunui, Kaikōura and Marlborough Districts.
The fund is to assist rural people whose principal income comes from a primary industry which is either well-established or in the developmental stage.
Applications close on 28 February 2017.
Civil Defence Payments - Financial support to individuals
Extra financial support has been made available for people in these locations: Hurunui, Kaikoura, Seddon and Ward.
Civil Defence payments can cover the following costs:
- payments if you’re hosting evacuees (private homes, marae or community centres)
- accommodation costs if you’ve evacuated and are staying in tourist accommodation (motels, hotels or temporary rental accommodation)
- loss of livelihood (where you can’t work and have lost your income because of the earthquake)
- food, clothing and bedding (immediate needs up to a maximum amount).
You can call the Government Helpline 0800 779 997 to find out more about this.
Earthquake Support Subsidy for businesses and sole traders
If you’re a small business or sole trader impacted by the earthquakes, you may be able to get a subsidy to help you retain staff and continue to pay them while transitioning back to business-as-usual.
You could also call the Government Helpline on 0800 779 997
Rata Foundation – Funding Support for Community Organisations
The Foundation's $1.1 million Earthquake Recovery Fund was established to help with the recovery of communities impacted by the recent earthquakes.
http://www.ratafoundation.org.nz/funding/how-we-fund/2016-earthquake-recovery-fund
Red Cross Earthquake Relief Fund
There is no information as yet about how and when these funds will be distributed.
Te Puni Kokiri
Funds have been secured to directly fund Māori NGO social service providers to provide support as needed.