The Government expects to contribute millions of dollars in funding towards the Northland recovery and response costs. Though the thresholds were not met for a formal declaration of a state of local emergency, in such situations the Government assists the local councils and their civil defence teams in a range of areas. Measures are now in place to help people, and I encourage communities to contact either central or local government agencies to access this support. The following Government assistance has been offered: Hardship grants through MSD have been made available to affected residents; MSD staff have been assisting local council teams in building and needs assessments for affected residents in isolated communities such as Aranga, Moerewa, Kaihu and Karaka; In the primary sector, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has approved the situation as a medium-scale adverse event, which triggers a range of Government assistance including funding to the Rural Support Trust; Flood-affected farmers have also been offered assistance by Revenue Minister Todd McClay through Inland Revenue’s income equalisation discretion scheme; Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee has confirmed that NZTA will provide emergency works funding through the National Land Transport Fund to enable it and local authorities to respond to the immediate effects of the flooding, including managing temporary road closures and establishing detours, and to allow for damaged roads to be repaired. I have also announced that the Government is contributing $100,000 to mayoral funds in the Far North and Whangarei, which will include council contributions. These funds are focused on meeting urgent needs including help with cleanup and household items costs. Additionally, in all natural disaster emergencies, central Government supports local authorities with direct financial assistance as needed. The Government will fully reimburse councils for the immediate response costs incurred in accommodating, transporting, feeding and clothing displaced residents, and the repair of essential infrastructure.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 02:49:25 +0000
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