Tamati Coffey Labour List MP

The recent weather events have wreaked havoc on millions of lives. There's a long road ahead for many but we will get through this.

Families and businesses have suffered enormous loss and hardship. And we've also seen incredible community spirit and countless acts of bravery and service by first responders, neighbours and friends.

The cost of the recovery and rebuild phases is becoming clearer and it will be significant – a multi-billion-dollar price tag is ahead of us, but, as a country, we're in a strong financial position. Our government is committed to doing whatever it takes to recover. We will continue to stand by New Zealanders and we will back communities as we rebuild.

We're providing $50 million support package for businesses, farmers and growers for urgent work like clearing silt and repairing infrastructure.

We're injecting $250 million for emergency works to help councils fix roads, get transport links back up and access into communities. And of course, there will be more financial support to come.

We've set up new structures that will direct and coordinate the recovery.

We've put in place a new service to assist homeowners with natural disaster insurance claims. People whose homes have been damaged by a natural disaster – like Cyclone Gabrielle and the January floods – will be able to access this service to support them if their insurance claims get stuck.

This year will be difficult for many families and businesses. We will continue to focus on the bread and butter issues in front of New Zealanders right now.