Māori communities impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle receive $15m in support

Tuesday, 28 February 2023

Waka Kotahi drone video shows the havoc Cyclone Gabrielle inflicted on SH1 at Brynderwyn Hills, south of Whangārei. (This video has no sound. First published February 28.)

The Government has announced $15 million to support the recovery of Māori communities impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The funding will go towards improving staffing for marae involved in recovery efforts, new equipment for the clean-up, storage of food and taonga, and future planning.

The short-term relief package was revealed by the Government at Waipatu Marae in Hastings on Tuesday.

Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson said it will support the ongoing response and ensure communities are better prepared in the future.

The clean up at Takitimu Marae, Wairoa, after Cyclone Gabrielle.

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Minister Willie Jackson says new funding for Māori communities impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle will support ongoing recovery efforts.

'The regions hit by Cyclone Gabrielle have high Māori population, and we know many communities have been hugely impacted,” he said.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in Hawkes Bay, an area that has been devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle.

“Iwi and hapori Māori mobilised quickly to provide essential support and manaaki whānau Māori and the wider community.'

Jackson said marae have been a central hub for affected communities, especially isolated ones.

'Funding in this package will help to future proof them through purchasing generators and communications equipment, installing solar power and equipment for pātaka kai like freezers so they are even better able to support their community,” he said.

“This package is about the immediate response, but it is also about building back better and ensuring our marae and other support organisations have the resources and kit needed to support whanau in a time of crisis.'

Whānau Ora will receive $3m from the package to manage and coordinate its response efforts.

Minister for Whānau Ora Hon Peeni Henare said this will help redeploy resources to impacted regions.

“Whānau Ora Commissioning Agencies have been working with affected whānau to link them to all forms of support,” he said.

“They provide holistic support to whānau, ensuring access to support is simple and efficient and the extra funding means they will be able to keep up this support.'

Minister of Te Arawhiti Māori-Crown Relations Kelvin Davis said the investment would allow for iwi to start building resilience.

“Māori communities know how to respond in times like these, it is our job to make sure they are well-equipped to do so.'

Cyclone Gabrielle tore through Aotearoa earlier this month claiming 11 lives.