Applications closing for Rotorua's mayoral flood relief fund

Time is running out for applications to the Mayoral relief fund.

More than 75 flood-affected households have benefitted from the generosity of Rotorua residents and businesses, thanks to the Mayoral Manaakitanga Relief Fund.

The relief fund was set up soon after the severe weather event on April 29 and applications for the fund will soon be closing.

Nearly $70,000 was donated to the charitable fund by residents and businesses, as well as central government and philanthropic organisations.

Over the past few weeks, applications and donations to the fund have slowed considerably.

A recent injection of $10,000 from the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust (RECT) has provided funding to five applications, which were previously approved but were delayed in payment, due to insufficient funds.

Applications can still be made to the fund but must be received by the council by next Friday.

Applications received will still need to meet the fund criteria and will have to go through the approval process, but will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick is on the fund's assessment committee, which includes Rotorua Lakes Council Rural Community Board chairwoman Shirley Trumper and Te Tatau o Te Arawa representative Ngahuia Hona-Paku.

"The Mayoral Manaakitanga Relief Fund was set up as a goodwill gesture to help those who were affected by the devastating effects of the April flooding," Chadwick said.

"The fund was not something we were obliged to do, but it was the right thing for us to do. We have been able to help people at a very difficult time and we wouldn't have been able to do that without the generosity of those who have donated."

She said it had been humbling listening to the stories of flood-affected residents.

"We know people have been struggling and this is a way we can offer some financial assistance. I have been blown away by how appreciative people have been when they receive this funding.

"For some people, it has been a huge help and a positive step in their recovery journey."

Application forms and the fund's terms of reference can be found at www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/floodrecovery.

Mayoral Manaakitanga Relief Fund
Total amount raised - $67, 216
Number of applications - 77
Number of approved applications - 76
Reasons for applications - Insurance excess, help with uninsured items, bond for temporary accommodation, food recovery costs, replacing furniture