Disaster Relief Fund – Recovery Round One
Background
During the response period of the weather events in January and February 2023
a Disaster Relief Fund (Mayoral Fund) was setup to provide immediate financial
support to whānau who were impacted. An amount of just over $2Million was
raised and the majority has now been donated for a variety of needs including
food, household items, school uniforms and cars. The average amount paid to
applicants was $1,600.
Applicants had to complete an online SmartyGrants application form that was
assessed before a decision to fund or not was made. If it was approved the
applicant would then need to be setup in Council’s procurement system as a
Vendor before the payment could be released.
There is a remaining amount in the region of $65,000 that, in the first instance, is
being proposed to be put into a non-contestable fund along with approximately
$2Million from the Red Cross Disaster Fund (to be approved by its Board).
Proposed Recovery Fund
The response phase of the emergency has now moved to recovery, however,
there remains a lot of uncertainty for many whānau across Tāmaki Makaurau.
We are aware that many weren’t insured at al or under insured meaning that
they are having to find ways to purchase damaged household items including
furniture and cars. This on top of the cost-of-living increase is providing
significant distress for some whānau.
It is proposed that the Recovery Fund would provide assistance on a one-off
basis in extraordinary circumstances, where real need can be shown. This would
be a non-contestable fund and referrals would only come through the recently
established Auckland Council Housing Support Service (Housing Support Service)
and other community organisations working with distressed community
members.
The fund is a last resort measure when people have exhausted other
appropriate sources such as Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ), the Rural
Support Trust, EQC, and other government agencies.
Priority will be given to provision of:
• Essential items/essentials of daily life (e.g. food, accommodation, utilities)
not covered by insurance or other funds (such as WINZ, EQC and recently
advised rental relief package);
• Extra financial burden (including significant loss of income), costs due to
the weather events not covered by insurance or other funds; and
• Family or personal crises, support for which is not covered by insurance,
another agency or fund (such as MSD).
The aim is that these grants go some way towards helping alleviate the
emotional and financial stress experienced by individuals, couples and families
due to the weather events.
Funds being allocated will need to align with the NZRC Disaster Fund criteria (if
the $2Million is donated), specifically:
• Costs being incurred by those supporting the basic needs of people
impacted by the recent severe weather events and Cyclone Gabrielle. For
example, providing people with temporary accommodation, food or
water, or supporting community clean-up efforts.
• Support for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene restoration but not building
repairs.
• Hardship Grants determined by Community Organisations to support
personal expenses and clean up.
Note - Applicants who meet the criteria and vulnerability guidelines for Red
Cross Home Bundles can be referred to NZRC. If an applicant has received or
will receive a Red Cross Home Bundle, it does not preclude them from being
considered for this hardship grant.
Community Partners
• Referrals would come through interactions from the Housing Support
Service or from partner Community Organisations e.g.
s7(2)(c)(ii) obligation of confidence
based on their assessment that the applicant is suffering
significant financial hardship. Partner organisations will be confirmed
once the fund is approved by the Red Cross and Council.
Criteria:
To be eligible, a few basic criteria will need to be met:
1. Non or under insured whānau
2. Not received funding for this request previously
3. Exhausted al other funding avenues
4. Resident of Tāmaki Makaurau at the time of the flood
5. Able to prove need through relationship and conversation with the
Housing Support Service representative.
The below are to be taken into consideration but are not mandatory:
6. Placard on the house
7. Health
8. Age
9. Disability
10. Infant Children
11. Low income
Funds will not be used for: rent arrears (landlord), non-water or sanitation
repairs or property upgrades
Equity
To create equity for a non-contestable fund set amounts will be paid:
• $500 towards utilities and everyday needs (Doctor fees, food, etc)
Payments towards goods and services (including rent, appliances, carpets,
etc)
• $1000
• $2000
• In exceptional circumstances amounts of more than $2000 may be
considered. These would need to be approved by the Manager of the
Housing Support Service and supporting evidence required such as
quotes, invoices, letters of support from referring agencies.
