The New Zealand Government has declared a national state of emergency – just the third in the nation’s history – as Cyclone Gabrielle wreaked havoc across the North Island.
The Government has announced an $11.5 million community support package to assist in the response to this Cyclone. The Government is also providing an initial $4 million to help farmers, growers, whenua Māori owners and rural communities mobilise and co-ordinate recovery efforts from Cyclone Gabrielle.
“The breadth of this storm’s impact is unprecedented with milk collection disrupted, orchards inundated and livestock losses across much of the North Island. This is a dynamic situation and we are responding accordingly to help the rural sector to respond with this initial funding of $4 million,” Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said.
“This is a difficult time for many, with thousands of people’s homes and businesses affected by this large-scale adverse event – the Government is here to provide support.
“I expect we will provide more support once a full and thorough assessment of the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle across the North Island is complete. That destruction includes flooded farms and orchards, damage to vital roading and electricity infrastructure, and isolated communities.
“Conditions continue to make it difficult to assess the full extent of crop damage, livestock losses, and disruption.
“Widespread power outages are affecting dairy farmers’ ability to milk cows, especially in Northland. Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) staff are working closely with sector groups and processors to minimise any potential animal welfare issues.”
Helpful information
The extreme weather event has affected many businesses. You can find more information and advice about:
- looking after your employees
- operating safely
- insurance claims
- finance and banking
- buildings and landlord responsibilities
- Government support packages
here: https://www.business.govt.nz/risks-and-operations/extreme-weather-information-for-business/
Some industry bodies have emergency support information available on their websites. If you belong to an industry group, let them know what is happening in your business, so they are better prepared to help you.
Road closures
Several roads have been impacted by recent weather events. Communication outages in various regions are resulting in delays to updates being posted. View the online traffic maps for the latest available information on road closures and delays here:
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/
Insurance claims
If you’re a business owner, register your claims with your insurer as soon as you can. Take photos of damaged areas and stock, if possible.
Business insurance can cover everything from damage to premises, lost or damaged stock, equipment or goods owned by others, vehicles and cover for not being able to operate as well as business interruption cover for loss of profit.
Mental health and wellbeing
If you or your employees are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, visit First Steps: https://firststeps.nz/resources/community-resources/
Other free services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
call or text 1737 for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline 0800 543 354 or text 4357
Samaritans 0800 726 666
Help from Inland Revenue
Inland Revenue knows many businesses affected by recent floods won’t be focussing on tax at the moment.
If you’ve been affected, you don’t need to contact IR right now. If you let them know when you reasonably can there are ways they can help, including things like removing penalties and interest, getting you set up to pay in instalments, and helping if you are in financial hardship.
If you’ve lost some or all of your tax records in the flooding, Inland Revenue can work around it.
