Initial Funding Package for Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery Announced

Written by Chloe Smart

(Updated 28 February 2023)

Cyclone Gabrielle caused unprecedented flooding and damage as it made its way across the North Island earlier this month. Cyclone Recovery Minister Grant Robertson has announced details of the first round of funding available to the primary sector through the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), which will be welcomed by local farmers and growers to help begin their recovery.

What support is available?

Farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners affected by Cyclone Gabrielle can apply for grants to kick-start their recovery efforts – the Government has initially allocated $25 million, with an additional $4 million of targeted funding for urgent primary sector needs in rural areas. The funding will be focused on the hardest hit areas, including Hawke’s Bay, where key primary sector infrastructure, crops, vines, and pastures were destroyed or damaged by the cyclone.

There are grants available for growers of $2,000 per hectare up to a maximum of $40,000 to assist with the costs of removing silt from trees and vines and to support the clean-up to minimise future losses.  Farmers are also eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help with fencing and repairs to water infrastructure for livestock.

How do I apply for a grant?

1. Applications can’t be completed online. To apply, you need to complete a short application form describing the damage and the work that is required (you can find the form here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/55636-Application-form-Cyclone-Gabrielle-farmer-and-grower-recovery-grants-2023)
2. The next step is to email your completed form to [email protected] – MPI will accept scanned forms or you can take photos of the completed application form and send these in one email.
3. MPI will let you know when they receive your grant application, and if your grant application is approved, they will contact you and provide an indication of when the funds will be paid out. In the meantime, keep copies of records, such as invoices, receipts, and quotes. No timing has been given as to the response and payment of money for an accepted application.

We have printed copies of the form at our reception and we can scan the completed form to you by email. If you are an existing client and you’d like one of our team to complete the form on your behalf, please give us a call and we’ll get the details necessary.