Mayoral Relief Fund

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

The Mayoral Relief Fund has been activated to support Whangārei District in response to Cyclone Gabrielle. The fund is only available to those affected by the severe weather in February 2023.

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

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

Examples of how disaster relief 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.

Support for loss of income

Loss of income is not supported under the Mayoral Relief Fund. Refer to the following funds for support instead:

Business Recovery Grants (Northland Inc)

Civil Defence payments (Ministry of Social Development)

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. However, we will consider larger grants in special circumstances. 

Apply to the Mayoral Relief Fund  

Online

Step 1.Check criteria

The following groups located in the Whangārei District can apply:

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

Schools and other 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)
  • 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 Mayoral Relief Fund online

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 is 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 that isn’t being rented
  • if you already have insurance
  • level of damage caused by the cyclone (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 seven to fourteen days. 

In-person

Come into one of our Service Centres and we will be happy to assist you.

Forum North customer service centre
7 Rust Avenue, Whangārei
Monday to Friday - 8:00am to 4:30pm
Closed public holidays

Ruakākā service centre 
9 Takutai Place, Ruakākā
Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 4:00pm
Closed public holidays

By phone

Please call us for assistance:

Phone:  09 430 4200

Freephone:  0800 932 463

Make a donation

To make donations to Whangārei's Mayoral Relief Fund, use bank account number 02-0492-0358315-00.

Please include your name and use Mayoral Relief Fund as the reference. 

If you need a tax receipt, please fill in the below form:

Request a tax receipt for donations to Mayoral Relief Fund