The government has introduced the Severe Weather Emergency Legislation Bill to minimise the red tape involved in the recovery and rebuild from Cyclone Gabrielle.
This bill is designed to remove or modify existing legislative constraints to support recovery, just like similar legislation that was passed after the Christchurch and Kaikōura earthquakes.
Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty said these urgent changes would provide legal certainty where needed.
“The legislation also removes unnecessary red tape. For example, extending the period for a food business to renew its registration will mean that it can continue operating post the Cyclone without impractical administrative deadlines to contend with,” he said.
“It’s important we enable communities to recover as quickly as possible after extreme weather events. These amendments will add certainty for businesses, help ensure food security by facilitating affected businesses to remain open throughout this uncertain period and help local authorities make emergency repairs.”
Affected communities get extra mental health support
Meanwhile, the government has allocated $3.25 million in funding to support the immediate mental wellbeing needs of people impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall said this funding included an expansion of the ‘All Sorts’ mental wellbeing campaign, which supports communities with tools to look after each other’s wellbeing.
“The personal recovery for those who have lost loved ones, livelihoods and homes to Cyclone Gabrielle is going to be incredibly tough. This Government will continue to stand alongside these New Zealanders and make sure they aren’t doing it alone,” she said.
NZ moving into recovery phase
Minister for Cyclone Recovery Grant Robertson said New Zealand was now moving from the emergency response into the recovery phase.
“We have worked alongside communities as we respond to this major event. We have put in place a taskforce, led by Sir Brian Roche, which will ensure the recovery is also locally led and supported by central government,” he said.
“We are only just at the start of the recovery from these devastating weather events. While we have already provided significant resources through the response – affected regions should rest assured that the Government will continue to work closely with them as the rebuild and recovery begins in earnest.”
Banks offering cyclone-related relief
Have the North Island weather events impacted your ability to meet your home loan repayments?
If so, please get in touch, as some banks are offering various forms of relief.
I can let you know what support you may be entitled to, and how to claim it.