Update: Applications for the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund closed on 6 March 2023.
Demand for the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund is high, with over 300 applications since it was announced on Tuesday.
The fund opened with a $100,000 commitment from Auckland Council and an additional $100,000 commitment from central government. The government has made an additional $1 million contribution.
Both members of the public and corporations have donated to the fund as well, including a $100,000 donation announced by ANZ yesterday.
Mayor Wayne Brown says the donations made or pledged already show the support for those affected.
“Aucklanders have already been mucking in and helping other Aucklanders who have been affected by severe weather that has battered the region since last Friday.
"The financial donations to the Emergency Relief Fund is another example of this generous spirit that exists within our communities. I personally wish to say thank you to all who have donated to date, including those corporates who have pitched in.”
For Aucklanders who have already made an application to the fund, these are currently being assessed and the aim is to start making payments from next Tuesday.
Auckland Council’s Director of Governance and CCO Partnerships Phil Wilson asks applicants to be patient with the claims assessments.
“We are dealing with a lot of applications and there are likely to be more coming in over the next few days. Auckland Council staff are working hard to assess these applications and to make decisions quickly so Aucklanders can have some clarity, but these things can take time.”
The fund is likely to be well oversubscribed and will be assessed against hardship criteria to prioritise applications of highest need and things that aren’t provided through other funding avenues. This means that some applicants may only receive partial payments of what they have requested, or some applications may be declined. Auckland Council staff will assist applicants to find the appropriate or alternative funding support where possible. The fund is for Aucklanders who are experiencing hardship because of flooding and landslips.
Applications can be for things like rubbish clean up, insurance excesses, minor property and vehicle damage, appliance repairs or replacement, dehumidifiers and generators, and food, clothing, and bedding support not able to be met from other sources. The fund can also support community organisations and marae and iwi organisations.
The fund is in addition to other support that people may qualify for through the Ministry of Social Development.
How to contribute to the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund
If you would like to donate to the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund, make a deposit to:
Auckland Council
12 3113 0131166 00
Reference: Flood fund (please also provide a phone number if you would like a tax rebate form)
You can also email: EmergencyFund@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
How to access the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund
Applications to the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund can be made online. People can call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 during business hours for assistance to complete application forms.
Immediate assistance
People affected by the floods who need help with accommodation, financial assistance and insurance advice can visit Civil Defence Centre Hubs. Further information is available at aem.org.nz.
If you cannot make it to the hubs, please phone Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00 for assistance.
Other financial support available through the Ministry of Social Development
For welfare assistance contact the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100.
Civil Defence payments are available to people who have been affected by the flooding in the Auckland region. You don't have to be on a benefit to qualify for a Civil Defence payment. In most cases it doesn't matter what your income is or what assets you have. These payments are available for a limited time.
A Civil Defence payment can help with:
- accommodation costs if you're evacuated and are staying in accommodation such as motels, hotels, or temporary rental accommodation
- loss of income because you can't work due to the flooding
- emergency food, clothing, and bedding if yours has been damaged or destroyed by the flooding
- a payment if you have evacuees staying with you in places such as a private home, marae, or community centres.
If you have urgent food needs due to being displaced by the flooding, you can look for providers at familyservices.govt.nz/directory
