Whangārei District Council welcomes the Government’s announcement of an additional $100,000 contribution to its Emergency Recovery Fund, providing timely and direct support for communities recovering from the January severe weather event.

In January 2026, flooding and land-slips caused damage and cut off access to communities on the north-east coast of Whangarei District. The Emergency Recovery Fund was established to support individuals, whānau and businesses impacted by the weather event, helping to meet immediate recovery needs while broader recovery work continues.

The funding panel met today to assess new applications, although there are still about 35 still to consider. In all, the Emergency Relief Fund has received a total of 121 applications, and 78 grants have been approved to a value of $186,798.

The additional Government funding comes at a critical time, following the completion of a second round of 5 ‘Recovery Hub’ drop-in sessions held between 26th and 28th February in affected areas. These sessions have resulted in a significant number of new applications, reflecting ongoing needs as residents continue their recovery.

Whangarei District Council thanks the Government for the additional funding, acknowledging the support provided during a period of challenging economic conditions. The funding will help ensure assistance can continue to reach those most affected.

Note:

For more information about the Emergency Recovery Fund and recovery support available, visit the Whangārei District Council website:

https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Community/Community-funding/Emergency-Recovery-Fund

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