Last chance to apply for Waipā Mayoral Relief Fund

Applications for the Waipā Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund will close at the end of the month, so Waipā residents and businesses impacted by storm-related costs are being urged to get their applications in.

The fund opened in February after a one in 250-year storm event hit western and southern parts of the district, causing widespread flooding and damage and leading to a State of Emergency declaration.

The fund aims to support affected people and businesses with grants available for uninsured or underinsured costs, debris removal, and other storm-related hardship.

Waipā Mayor Mike Pettit says the February storms had a lasting impact on many communities, far beyond the initial clean up.

"We know it has taken some time for people to work through insurance claims and hear back on their applications, so that’s why we’ve left the fund open this long,” he said.

"If you've been affected, and haven't applied yet, please get in touch before the fund closes."

The fund provides one-off support for individuals, whānau, small businesses, community organisations, volunteer groups and marae, for costs such as:

• Basic household needs and essential personal items, where uninsured or underinsured
• Clearing debris from properties
• Replacing essential uninsured or underinsured items
• Financial or advisory support for locally impacted small businesses
• Support for marae, community groups and volunteer groups involved in recovery

Individuals can apply for up to $2000, and businesses up to $5000. People who have previously received a grant for less than these maximum amounts can reapply for the remaining balance.

The fund does not cover costs already covered by insurance, the Natural Hazards Commission, or other funding streams, and is intended as a last resort once other support options have been explored.

Applications close 5pm Wednesday September 30, and can be made online at www.waipadc.govt.nz/relieffund, or by picking up a paper form from the Waipā District Council offices in Te Awamutu or Te Awamutu Library.

Completed applications can be submitted in person at Council offices, by email to relieffund@waipadc.govt.nz, or by post to:

Attention: Mayoral Relief Fund
Waipā District Council
Private Bag 2402
Te Awamutu 3840