Council to accept applications for Gita assistance

The Tasman District Council has announced it is looking to accept applications for the three sources of funding the government has provided, starting next week.

While currently setting the criteria and process for managing applications, Mayor Richard Kempthorne said people need to be aware of the limits of the funding provided.

“While we would like to be in a position to assist everyone affected by the Cyclone, we just simply can’t,” he said.

Kempthorne outlined the sources of assistance and funding from the government, which include:

• Access to $500,000 of Enhanced Taskforce Green for land-based businesses that also has to be shared with similarly affected people in Taranaki;
• $80,000 specifically targeted at business assistance for businesses negatively affected by recent cyclones, and;
• $20,000 to assist recovery through one-off hardship grants to residents to cover such things as the essentials for daily life (food, utilities and accommodation) not already covered by other support.

“It is within these limits that we are developing the criteria and in doing so we have taken advice from other areas that have experienced similar events and their advisors,” he noted.

“We certainly welcome this funding and the criteria will be focused on ensuring it is delivered where it can provide the most benefit.”

The funding is in addition to the ratepayer investment in road, river and reserve cleanup and repair and the support from central government agencies such as the New Zealand Transport Agency which could stretch to over $10 million.

The Mayor urged people who wish to express an interest in the funding available to contact the council.