Financial support

Temporary Accommodation Assistance

• Are you a homeowner unable to live in your home due to it being assigned a red or yellow placard and paying for alternative temporary accommodation in the private rental market, and therefore have two sets of accommodation costs?
• For support when insurance payments for temporary accommodation run out Temporary Accommodation Assistance is available.  This help is not income or asset tested.
• You need to book an appointment to apply.  Call the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 559 009, 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm, Saturday.
• For more information visit the WINZ website. 

Te Whatu Ora – Hauora and Wellbeing Package

Te Whatu Ora is providing a Hauora and Wellbeing package for individuals and households unable to live in their home (Categories 2 and 3) due to Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke’s Bay. The package is valid from January 15 to June 30, 2024, and includes:

1. Two GP and two nurse consultations
2. One emergency after-hours consultation
3. Pharmacy advice and treatment for minor conditions
4. Up to seven counselling sessions (face-to-face or online)
5. Practice Plus Telehealth (online doctor or nurse consults) available through Māori hauora providers
6. Free rongoā through listed Māori hauora

 Residents eligible for this package can contact Hastings District Council at (06) 871 5000 or email gabriellewelfare@hdc.govt.nz to receive a letter confirming the status of their property.

This letter can then be forwarded to their Hawke’s Bay General Practice or Māori hauora provider. It is recommended they inform the provider of their eligibility as soon as possible, ideally before needing a consultation. They must show the letter to access these services. If GP access is challenging, online Practice Plus consultations and counselling are encouraged. For minor conditions, individuals can seek free advice and treatment from their pharmacy. Questions can be directed to Health Hawke’s Bay by email: info@healthhb.co.nz.

For further information please visit the Te Whatu Ora website:  Reach out - Hawkes Bay District Health Board – Our Health (ourhealthhb.nz) 

New Zealand Claims Resolution Service

The New Zealand Claims Resolution Service provides free advice, engineering, legal and wellbeing support. Register with them by calling 0508 624 327. If you are a tenant, you can get more information about your rights and obligations after a natural disaster at www.tenancy.govt.nz.