Hastings Mayoral Relief Fund helps those most affected by Cyclone Gabrielle

More than $150,000 has been allocated to groups and individuals through the Hastings Mayoral Relief Fund.

The fund, which is now almost fully allocated, was open to residents who had been most affected by the cyclone or were supporting the recovery, and promoted through the Hastings District Council welfare team and community leaders at the Community Hubs.

Hastings District Council civic development sub-committee chair Malcolm Dixon thanked those who had generously contributed to the fund, including the Whanganui District Council that donated $50,000 raised by the Whanganui community, and a large sum from a generous local family business for the Hastings people affected.

“We are very appreciative of this generous support. Our people who have been affected by the cyclone are going through immensely difficult and uncertain times.

“This funding was distributed to those most affected – recognition of the many different challenges they are facing, and the hard mahi that’s happening by many individuals and groups to help with their recovery.”

The fund had provided $158,000 to 36 different community collectives, individuals and groups directly supporting the recovery and relief efforts - the majority to assist with silt removal.

Funding was also able to be provided to volunteer collectives to help pay for fuel and machinery including the Bay View Volunteer Collective, Waiohiki Arts Village collective, HB Clean Up Crew and the One Voice Community Services Trust who had been working in the Esk Valley area.

Other groups included Surf Life Saving NZ Hawke's Bay Search & Rescue Squad, Meal Drive Hawke’s Bay to help with hot meals for affected people, the Puketapu School Parent League for school trauma counselling, the Dartmoor raft replacement, and transport for cyclone-affected children to attend a free showing of Worm at Toitoi.

Funding support was also given for 10 Small Hall Session gigs in communities affected by the cyclone to bring people together for music and fun.

While the mayoral fund is almost fully allocated, the Hawke's Bay Disaster Relief Fund is still available, a second round of which opens on Monday, May 8 for applications up to $10,000.

The criteria has been widened to better support those most affected including those residents with life style blocks. Information and applications can be made here: www.hbrc.info/HBDisasterFund.

If people are seeking financial assistance and don’t fit the criteria of this fund they can contact the Hastings District Council community grants advisor at communitygrants@HDC.govt.nz who may be able to give direction on other funding avenues.

There is also a full list of available funding opportunities at www.HBFunding.co.nz.

5 May 2023

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