Te Tahua Toka Tū Moana - Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund

This fund is closed.

Te Tahua Toka Tū Moana – Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund provides emergency financial support for Far North communities affected by major disasters that have caused significant damage and disruption.

January severe weather event

The fund was activated in response to the severe weather event of 21 – 22 January 2026 and was available only to those affected in the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa ward of the Far North District.

This was served as a ‘last option’ fund for people who have already exhausted available support, such as Civil Defence, the Ministry of Social Development, MBIE Temporary Accommodation Services, Work and Income, Ministry for Primary Industries, and private insurance.

Who could apply

You could apply if you:

were affected by the severe weather event of 21 – 22 January 2026
live, operate, or own property in the Bay of Islands–Whangaroa ward
had unmet needs that were not covered by other support agencies or insurance.

What the funds could be used for

Te Tahua Toka Tū Moana funds could be used to support and meet the needs of affected individuals, whānau, community organisations, small businesses and marae.

Examples included:

dealing with septic tank overflow
filling water tanks
clearing debris from properties
assisting small businesses impacted by the emergency (where appropriate)
replacement of items that cannot be insured (for example accessways)
assisting people with essential needs such as clothing and bedding etc., where the individual /whānau does not have the capacity to buy their own insurance cover.

How to apply (now closed)

Step 1: Download and complete the application form

Step 2: Submit your completed form and supporting information by either:

Email: recoverymanager@fndc.govt.nz
In person: Drop off your application at any Far North District Council service centre.

Applications are now closed

With the partnership with New Zealand Red Cross, the application deadline was further extended until Sunday, 22 March 2026.

If you have questions, contact: recoverymanager@fndc.govt.nz

FAQs

No. If you have already applied to the relief fund, the council will automatically check your application against the New Zealand Red Cross fund. If you are eligible, you will be notified and the grant will be paid directly into your account.

No. If you live in the Bay of Islands–Whangaroa ward and previously applied to Whangārei District Council’s Emergency Recovery Fund, you do not need to reapply to Te Tahua Toka Tū Moana – Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund. Your WDC application remains active and will be transferred to the Far North District Council recovery team for processing. This is simply an administrative change.