Government Deploys $1.2m Early Recovery Package After Severe Weather

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the immediate focus is stabilisation—housing displaced residents, restoring access to cut-off communities, and ensuring essential services remain operational.

The Government has announced the first phase of recovery funding and coordination measures following last week’s severe weather event, signalling a rapid, system-wide response as assessments continue across affected regions.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the immediate focus is stabilisation—housing displaced residents, restoring access to cut-off communities, and ensuring essential services remain operational.

“The impact has been devastating for many people, particularly those who have tragically lost loved ones at Mount Maunganui, Welcome Bay and Warkworth,” Mr Luxon says. “Over the past few days, I’ve visited communities and seen the damage first-hand.”

Immediate recovery measures activated

Around 500 people across the North Island have been displaced, with assessments ongoing. In response, the Government has activated the Temporary Accommodation Service, enabling faster matching of displaced households with available short-term housing.

Logistics and infrastructure remain a critical challenge. Significant damage to State Highway 35 (East Coast) and State Highway 25 (Coromandel) has left some communities isolated, while KiwiRail is assessing the impact on rail lines. Efforts are underway to clear slips, restore road access, and move supplies into affected areas.

From a systems resilience perspective, the response brings together multiple agencies operating in parallel:

• Health NZ is monitoring pressure on the health system and providing mental health support

• The Ministry of Social Development is assisting households requiring urgent financial support

$1.2m for rapid local response

The Government is making $1.2 million available through Mayoral Relief Funds to support immediate and pressing needs in affected regions, in addition to annual baseline funding already provided.

An additional $1 million has been allocated to reimburse marae that delivered welfare support during the emergency—recognising their role as trusted, high-impact community response hubs.

“Marae have been exceptional, providing shelter, food and care to people in need,” Mr Luxon says. “This funding allows them to replenish resources and continue building resilience.”

Leveraging existing recovery infrastructure

The Government also confirmed significant pre-existing funding pools are available to support recovery at scale, including:

• Up to $700 million via the Natural Hazards Commission for claims

• Over $700 million allocated by NZ Transport Agency for emergency road and highway works (2024–2027 NLTF period)

• $7.2 million through the Ministry for the Environment for emergency waste clearance

• Ongoing support via MPI Rural Support Trusts for farming and rural communities

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell says further support will be unlocked once damage assessments are complete.

“For those affected, the impact is significant, and we’ll make sure they’re properly supported to get back on their feet,” he says.

Governance and next steps

To strengthen coordination, the Prime Minister has appointed Hon Chris Penk as Associate Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, tasking him with leading cross-agency alignment and reporting back to Cabinet.

Mr Luxon also confirmed Cabinet will receive advice on the potential scope of an independent government inquiry into events at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, citing the need for accountability and system learning.

“As extreme weather events become more frequent, how government, infrastructure and communities respond—and learn—will matter more than ever,” Mr Luxon says.

For regional leaders, service providers and community organisations, now is the time to engage early with government agencies, ensure damage assessments are captured, and position for the next phase of recovery investment.