Auckland Council has received more than 300 applications for financial help and is asking for applicants’ patience as it expects further requests.
A $200,000 emergency relief fund to help those impacted by unprecedented flooding in Auckland was announced on Tuesday, comprising half each from the council and the government. The government has since committed an extra $1 million to the fund.
Members of the public and corporations have also added to the fund.
On Saturday, the council said more than 300 people had applied for assistance. It is expected they will receive payments from Tuesday, February 7.
READ MORE:
* ‘High likelihood of further landslips’, warns Waikato Regional Council
* Relief fund for Auckland tornado victims doubled to $200k
* Paging system triggering 27 tsunami sirens around the Coromandel to be disconnected
Aucklanders experiencing hardship may apply for help to cover the cost of rubbish clean up, insurance excesses, damage to property and vehicles, repair or replacement of appliances, dehumidifiers, generators, food, clothing and bedding.
The fund may also support community organisations, marae and iwi.
Ricky Wilson/Stuff
The relief fund can help people hit hard by flooding cover the cost of rubbish clean up.
Applications can be made on the Auckland Council website. Anyone who needs assistance to complete an application form may phone the council during business hours on 09 301 0101.
Phil Wilson of the council asked applicants for patience while claim assessments take place.
“We are dealing with a lot of applications and there are likely to be more coming in over the next few days.
“Auckland Council staff are working hard to assess these applications and to make decisions quickly so Aucklanders can have some clarity, but these things can take time.”
It is likely there won’t be enough money in the fund to meet the needs of everyone who applies, meaning applications will be assessed against hardship criteria to prioritise those with the highest need.
DAVID WHITE/Stuff
The fund may also be used to help cover insurance excesses, minor property and vehicle damage and the repair or replacement of appliances.
“This means that some applicants may only receive partial payments of what they have requested, or some applications may be declined,” the council said in a statement.
“Council staff will assist applicants to find the appropriate or alternative funding support where possible.”
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said donations already made to the relief fund were an example of the “generous spirit that exists within our communities”.
“I personally wish to say thank you to all who have donated to date, including those corporates who have pitched in.”
Anyone impacted by the flood who requires immediate help should phone Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00 or visit a Civil Defence Centre.
Welfare assistance may also be available from the Ministry of Social Development, which can be contacted on 0800 400 100.
Anyone who would like to donate to the emergency relief fun may make a deposit to Auckland Council’s bank account (12 3113 0131166 00) using ‘flood fund’ as a reference, or email [email protected].
Those who would like a tax rebate form should also reference their phone number.
