Sediment and debris management package available for cyclone affected whenua Māori

The government is providing $30 million to support whenua Māori owners with vital clean-up of sediment and debris in Tairāwhiti and the Hawke’s Bay regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Published: Rāhina, 03 Hōngongoi, 2023 | Monday, 3 July 2023

This grant funding for whenua Māori builds on the activity already underway and supports local recovery efforts by iwi, communities, councils, and owners of whenua Māori.

Announced on 29 June 2023, the $30 million is to provide support for the clean-up of sediment and debris in Tairāwhiti and the Hawke’s Bay regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. The fund will be administered by Te Puni Kōkiri.

In addition, Te Puni Kōkiri is administering $2 million of the $10.15 million woody debris fund announced by the Minister of Forestry, Peeni Henare, as part of Budget 23.

This $2 million has been allocated specifically to manage woody debris in catchments on whenua Māori.

Read about these funding packages and how to apply here or contact the Te Puni Kōkiri Whenua Māori Service on SedimentandDebrisWhenua@tpk.govt.nz.

Finance support packages

Finance support packages for growers, farmers and businesses affected by North Island weather events were announced by the Government on 29 June 2023.

  • North Island Weather Events (NIWE) Loan Guarantee Schemewill provide relief to affected businesses seeking commercial lending. This scheme leverages the Crown’s financial strength by carrying 80 percent of the credit risk on covered loans, allowing banks to reduce interest rates and offer more flexible terms. Read more on The Treasury website.
  • NIWE Primary Producer Finance Schemeto provide access to capital for affected growers and farmers unable to access lending without further support. The funding will be targeted towards severely affected businesses that have a reasonable likelihood of being commercially viable but cannot currently access commercial finance. Read more on Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit website.