This fund is closed.
Our Emergency Recovery Fund provides emergency financial support in response to major disasters that cause significant damage and disruption.
The Emergency Recovery Fund was activated in response to the severe weather event that happened between 18 and 24 January 2026.
The fund was only available to those affected by the severe weather in January 2026 in the Hikurangi-Coastal Ward of the Whangārei District.
This was a 'last option' fund, for people who had exhausted other sources of funding, such as Civil Defence, the Ministry of Social Development, Work and Income, Ministry for Primary Industries, and private insurance.
Residents of the Bay of Islands - Whangaroa Ward could apply for the Far North District Council's Mayoral Relief Fund.
What the funds could be used for
Emergency recovery funds could be used to support and meet the needs of affected individuals, families, community organisations, small businesses and marae.
Examples of how these funds could 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 could be requested
As a guide, we expected most applications to be up to $2,000 for individuals / households, or $5,000 for community groups and businesses, per emergency event.
This fund is closed.