57 applicants receive Cyclone Tam relief

Over $22,000 in financial aid was distributed to 57 Far North homeowners and businesses by the Mayoral Relief Fund for damage caused by Cyclone Tam in January.

Applications for financial support opened in May. Some applicants applied for relief funding to assist with roof repair costs and to clear fallen trees, while most used the financial aid to recover the cost of lost frozen food caused by extended power outages.

Recipients would only receive a grant after providing evidence they had unsuccessfully asked for compensation from their insurer or through the Ministry of Social Development. Applicants had to provide photo evidence of the food that had become inedible.

The Mayoral Relief Fund is entirely made up of donations provided by the public, which was distributed through the council.

The Mayoral Relief Fund was established in response to other disasters and emergencies including the Waiharara Fire north of Kaitāia in 2022 and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.