Western Bay of Plenty District Council has established a Mayoral Relief Fund to support communities affected by last week’s severe weather event.

The fund begins with an initial $100,000 contribution from central government, allowing Council to offer short‑term financial assistance to households and small businesses experiencing urgent, unmet needs directly linked to the storm.

The $100,000 provided to Western Bay comes from central government’s $1.2 million storm recovery support, announced for the six councils most affected by last week’s event. Each council has received $100,000, with the remaining $600,000 available through an application process.

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer said the fund comes at a time when many in the community are still dealing with the emotional and practical impacts of the event. The fund is designed to support essential needs during a period where many people are navigating disruption, insurance processes and safety concerns.

“Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, and with all those whose homes, properties or livelihoods have been affected,” Mayor James said.

“The Mayoral Relief Fund gives us a way to provide practical, compassionate support for people who need immediate help while our wider recovery continues to take shape.

He said many households and small businesses are facing unexpected costs — temporary accommodation, essential items, or urgent work needed to safely access their properties — and the fund provides a pathway for support when no other help is immediately available. 

What the fund can support

• Temporary accommodation or emergency living costs
• Essential household items that are uninsured or immediately needed
• Urgent work to restore safe access to a property
• Welfare‑related needs caused by displacement or safety concerns 

What the fund cannot support

• Damage covered by insurance or EQC
• Income‑related losses
• General maintenance unrelated to the event
• Large‑scale or long‑term property repairs 

How to apply

Applications are open now and close Sunday 15 February. Residents can apply via:

-       www.westernbay.govt.nz/mayoral-relief-fund

-       mayoral.relief@westernbay.govt.nz

-       Pick up and fill out an application form at one of Council’s five library and service centres

Applicants will need to provide:

• Proof of address
• Brief description of impact
• Evidence of the essential need or cost
• Confirmation of any other support or insurance in progress 

Donations welcome

Denyer said while the initial contribution is welcome, the scale of need across the District will extend well beyond $100,000. If you would like to donate to help our communities, please use our Council's dedicated bank account below:

This fund is complementary to the Acorn Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund, which supports broader community wellbeing across Tauranga and the Western Bay. Each fund serves a different purpose in supporting our communities through recovery.

For more information and key resources on the weather event visit Council’s dedicated web page: Weather Event Information Hub - Western Bay of Plenty District Council