Nelson bush fire: Prime Minister pledges $20,000 for Tasman fire relief

Thursday, 7 February 2019

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern talked to volunteers and members of the public at the Civil Defence command centre on Thursday.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has pledged an initial $20,000 for the stricken Tasman community as fire crews continue to battle the blaze which started in Pigeon Valley.

Ardern flew to Nelson on Thursday morning to meet with Civil Defence and address a community meeting in Tasman with Minister of Civil Defence Kris Faafoi and Minister of Agriculture Damien O'Connor.

Ardern said welfare checks would be made on families affected by the fire.

The $20,000 would go to the Mayoral Relief Fund, which had been set up by the Tasman District Council.

The money was a way for communities to get back on their feet after an emergency, Ardern said.

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Extra funding needs by the Tasman community following the fire would be met, said Ardern.

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'It's really important to note there are a range of sources of funding available during these circumstances, through the Ministry of Social Development, and private insurance. If we discover a gap we're already ready to fill it.'

'While I'm immensely relieved there's been no loss of life and want to thank all of those involved in tackling this immense fire, it's clear there are going to be some difficult times ahead until we get the fire fully under control and people back to their homes.

'I can only imagine how difficult it is to pack up what you can and to evacuate so I want to acknowledge the families who have had to do that – and I want to let you know we are here to understand how we can help in the days and weeks ahead.'

Nelson bush fire: The fire which started in Pigeon Valley has devastated almost 2000 hectares in Tasman.

Nelson bush fire: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Tasman District Mayor Richard Kempthorne thank welfare officer Lani Evans for her efforts at the Civil Defence Control Centre.

Welfare checks would be made on affected families today, she said.

Faafoi said he would stay in close contact with the community, councils and Civil Defence, until the situation is under control.

'We know this is a distressing event that has caused massive disruption in people's lives. All the agencies involved are doing what they can to help and to tackle the fire but we do know there may be tough days ahead as we better understand the effects of the blaze and as displaced residents return to their homes.'

'It's been really heartening to see such effective coordination between the various agencies involved in the response effort, and to see the community show such great support for one another.

'While there are encouraging signs that the fire is being contained, it remains a potentially dynamic situation and we're keeping a close eye on conditions.'