Support for Businesses hit by Cyclone Gabrielle

If your business has been impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, you may be able to get support from your bank and/or the Government.

Here are some of the packages available to businesses across New Zealand:

Government Grants for Recovery Support

The Government is providing $25 million in recovery support to businesses in seven regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods in the North Island. 

You can apply for a grant of up to $40,000 to help you keep operating, maintain cashflow and position you for a successful recovery. You can apply if you are self-employed, a sole trader, or an employer - no matter how many people you employee.

Applications for the grants are expected to open in early March 2023. Click here to find out more.

Hawke's Bay Disaster Relief Fund

This fund offers grants of up to $1,000 per household, or $2,000 for organisations, marae and community groups, to help with any financial strain due to flooding, power outages, and landslides.

For those in the rural community, applications may be extended to provide financial aid for any emergency livestock requirements or the disposal of dead stock. Click here to find out more about the fund or head to the online application here.

Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund

Individuals, marae and community groups affected by this year’s extreme weather events in Auckland can apply for a grant from the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund. You can find out more and apply here.

Farmer & Grower Recovery Support

Farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners significantly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle are able to get support to kick-start recovery efforts and help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

The grants available include:

• up to $10,000 for pastoral and arable farmers to help with initial recovery, such as repairs to water infrastructure for livestock, and fencing
• up to $2,000 per hectare (up to a maximum of $40,000) to remove silt from trees and vines, support clean-up, and minimise future losses.

To find out more about the grants and to apply head to the MPI website.

$2,500 Cash Support available from Westpac

Westpac’s small business customers can apply for a $2,500 (taxable) cash grant from the Small Business Flood Relief Fund. This also applies to businesses hit by the earlier Auckland floods. Visit the Westpac website and apply now.  

$2,000 Cash Support available from ASB

ASB’s business and personal customers can apply for a one-off $2,000 (taxable) cash payment for support. You’ll need to supply some evidence of the impact that Cyclone Gabrielle, or the recent flooding, have had on your operations. You can find out more and apply at the ASB website.

Support Packages from other Banks

Other major banks – including ANZ, BNZ, and Kiwibank – are offering businesses temporary overdrafts, zero-fee loan restructuring, interest only periods on loans, payment deferrals and other support. Get in touch with your bank to see what’s on offer.

Civil Defence payments

Anyone who has been displaced or can’t work due to Cyclone Gabrielle can apply for a Civil Defence payment. Eligibility is limited, so check the website for more information.

Inland Revenue waives late payment penalties

Inland Revenue has announced it will waive late payment penalties for businesses unable to file or pay tax on time due to the recent extreme weather. More information here.

We can help with securing funding and support

If you need assistance in demonstrating the impact of the weather events on your business, we can help. We can also complete funding applications on your behalf, and talk to the Inland Revenue about support for your tax situation.

Get in touch, we’re here to help.