Hastings mayor welcomes interim payment announcement

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst has welcomed the announcement today that the Government will provide an interim payment to support homeowners displaced by Cyclone Gabrielle when their insurance payments for temporary accommodation run out.

The interim payment will be available from September 4 this year, paid weekly and directly to homeowners, and set at 100 per cent of the region’s average rent. The payment is able to be back-dated to June1, 2023, dependent on when insurance payments expired.

“We know that our people who have not been able to return to their homes have been finding it extremely stressful, both financially and emotionally, wondering how they will manage while their homes are being repaired and they await decisions on the future of their properties,” Mrs Hazlehurst said.

“I raised my concerns with Government to see what they could do to assist with this difficult situation, and I am pleased that they have responded. This goes some way to helping more of our impacted residents cope and get through while the land categorisation decision-making process continues.”

The interim payment will be known as North Island Weather Events – Temporary Accommodation Assistance (NIWE TAA). MSD can be contacted from August 21 to make an appointment to discuss their situation.

Payments are not taxable and will not affect Working for Families and most other social assistance entitlements.

19 July 2023

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