Emergency recovery fund to support hard-hit communities

Published on 29 January 2026

We are establishing an emergency recovery fund for people affected by January's severe weather events.

Mayor Ken Couper says he has personally witnessed the damage caused by the successive weather events. 

"We want flood-affected communities to know that we have their backs and are ready to support them, even if it's just with these small grants of one or two thousand dollars each.

"The community spirit in the area has been nothing short of inspiring. It's important to us that you're not left out of pocket.

"It's been a really tough time for many in these communities and the emergency recovery fund is a small but vital part of the response.

Events like these can take a long time to recuperate from and get back to 'normal' life. We hope the fund will provide some relief for those who have been hardest hit."

The Emergency Recovery Fund may be used to allocate one-off payments to individuals, families, community and not-for-profit organisations, marae, and small businesses within the Hikurangi-Coastal Ward who have suffered extreme hardship or damage because of the severe weather events of mid-January 2026.

The fund is around $130,000, made up of contributions from central government (NEMA) and Council. 

Further information on the Emergency Recovery Fund criteria, how to apply and how the public can donate can be found by following the below link:

Emergency Recovery Fund