Emergency Recovery Fund

Our Emergency Recovery Fund provides emergency financial support in response to major disasters that cause significant damage and disruption.

The Emergency Recovery Fund has been activated in response to the severe weather event which happened between 18 and 24 January 2026.

The fund is only available to those affected by the severe weather in January 2026 in the Hikurangi-Coastal Ward of the Whangārei District as well as Ngaiotonga, Te Rawhiti, and Whangamumu areas of the Far North District.

This is a "last option" fund, for people who have exhausted other sources of funding such as Civil Defence, the Ministry of Social Development, Work and Income, Ministry for Primary Industries, and private insurance.

What the funds can be used for

Emergency recovery funds may be used to support and meet the needs of affected individuals, families, community organisations, small businesses and marae.

Examples of how these funds can be used:

dealing with septic tank overflow
filling water tanks
clearing debris from properties
supporting individuals / families faced with hardships as a result of the emergency
assisting small businesses impacted by the emergency where appropriate
koha to a team or individual who assist in clean up at their expense – for example a local rugby team that helps out
refreshments for organisations or individuals who help with clean up
replacement of items that cannot be insured – for example fences, footpaths etc.
assisting people with basic needs, clothes, bedding etc where the individual / family does not have the capacity to buy their own insurance cover.

Civil Defence payments | Work and Income (workandincome.govt.nz)

How much can be requested

As a guide, we expect most applications to be up to $2,000 for individuals / households, or $5,000 for community groups and businesses, per emergency event.

Apply to the Emergency Recovery Fund

Online

Step 1.Check criteria

The following groups located in the in the Hikurangi-Coastal Ward of the Whangārei District as well as Ngaiotonga, Rawhiti, and Whangamumu areas of the Far North District can apply:

individuals
households
families / whanau
local community organisations and groups
local businesses.

Public or government entities are not eligible from this fund.

Step 2.Gather information

Please provide the following with your application:

Proof of bank account (this can be a screen shot from internet banking; it must show the account number and account name)
Photos of damage (where relevant)
Proof of name and address (such as a bank statement addressed to you)
Evidence of costs being claimed for (such as an email estimate from a tradesperson, or materials from an online store).

We may ask you for additional information to support your request.

Step 3.Complete application

Fill in our online form and upload any supporting information:

Apply for Emergency Recovery Fund online (wdc.smartygrants.com.au)

Step 4.Assessment

Staff will assess your application and will be in contact if any further information or a site visit is needed.

Providing proof of need, such as photos of damage / impact or quotes for repairs may be required.

Applications will be considered based on immediate recognised need in each community and household. Consideration will be given to:

damage to a house or property
if you already have insurance
level of damage caused by the event (this fund doesn't cover general wear and tear or everyday household costs)
if you have already accessed funds from other places or if other funds can be accessed to assist you.

You can expect to receive a decision on your application within 14 days.

By phone

You can download a copy of the application form if you wish to view the information that is required.

Emergency Recovery Fund application form(PDF, 238KB)

Book an appointment with us to complete the online application form for you. Appointments can be held online or by phone.

Book an appointment

Phone: 09 430 4200

Freephone: 0800 932 463