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The Government will give almost $2 million to help flood-stricken communities in Northland and Coromandel - and is expecting its final bill to run into many millions of dollars.
Civil Defence Minister Rick Barker yesterday announced a raft of measures including a $1 million interim payment to help local councils deal with last week's disaster.
About $100,000 will be allocated to provide grants of up to $2500 to low-income, uninsured householders who need help to re-establish damaged homes. The money will also reimburse councils for costs, such as providing temporary accommodation and basic necessities to people whose houses were ruined.
Extra Government help announced yesterday also included $100,000 for the work of two Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry experts in disaster recovery to help in rural areas. The money will top up the $100,000 already given to the Far North mayoral relief fund and $500,000 for Enhanced Taskforce Green to help the clean-up.
Mr Barker said the Government could not yet tally the final figure, which could be months away as councils worked out the damage to infrastructure in their regions.
"Last week I visited Northland and the Coromandel and saw first hand the extent of the damage. The storms have resulted in millions of dollars worth of damage, and I expect Government's total contribution will be in the millions."
He said the Government would cover most of the costs of rebuilding council roads, as well as the full costs of restoring state highways.
Far North District Mayor Yvonne Sharp said it was a "prompt response" and she welcomed the help.
"It's a really good start. I'm pleased they have come in so quickly to do this, and the minister said it was just the beginning. It does help things."
Mrs Sharp said the $1 million advance to councils, the MAF co-ordinators and the $2500 grants would be especially helpful in her area.
She said the Government always gave good subsidies to help repair roads, but she did not know how much would be needed as the real damage had only just started to be considered.
Help for farmers worried about tax was also announced last week, and IRD set up a hotline for possible tax relief which could include remission of penalties arising from not filing returns or making payments on time, extensions, or late re-estimation of provisional tax.
Working for Families tax credits, which are linked to income levels, could also be adjusted if necessary.
HOTLINES FOR HELP
To find out what help is available, call the Ministry of Social Development emergency response hotline on 0800-779-997, or your local council:
* Far North District Council - 0800-920-029.
* Whangarei District Council - 0800 WDC INFO (932-463).
* Kaipara District Council - 0800-727-059.
* Thames-Coromandel District Council - (07) 868-0200.
* For tax issues, call IRD on 0800-473-566.
