Cyclone and flood recovery for businesses
If you own a business in parts of the North Island and have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle or January flooding you can apply for support to help you recover.
Government grants for recovery support
The Government is providing $50 million in recovery support to businesses in eight regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods in the North Island.
Farmers and growers can apply for separate support from the Ministry for Primary Industries.
What the grants are for
You can apply for a grant of up to $40,000.
The grants are to help you:
- keep operating and position you for a successful recovery
- maintain cashflow.
Who can apply
You must meet some criteria, including being in one of the eight regions, and how you have been affected.
You can apply if you are self-employed, a sole trader, or an employer - no matter how many people you employ.
Location criteria
You can apply if your business is primarily in one of the areas listed below and you were affected by Cyclone Gabrielle or January flooding.
The regions are:
- Northland
- Auckland
- Bay of Plenty
- Coromandel
- Tairāwhiti
- Hawke’s Bay
- Tararua
- Wairarapa
You must also meet all these criteria
- You’re facing significant cashflow issues due to continued challenges with customer access, ability to source stock, supply chain issues, inability to operate as usual due to the physical damage to equipment or premises, or delays in insurance assessment and repairs.
- Your business is otherwise viable both before and after the flooding.
- You are not receiving any funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries recovery fund.
- You commit to acting in line with employment law and with due regard to your employees.
Regional criteria
Local partners who will allocate the grants may set further criteria. Check before you apply.
Where to apply
Grants will be delivered locally by people on the ground in the eight regions. They are best placed to do this.
Find a local partner
Northland
Cyclone Gabrielle – business recovery grants(external link) — NorthlandInc
Auckland
The Back to Work grants have been suspended while applications are considered. You can still apply, but you will be added to a waitlist. If you applied before 4.30pm, 9 March your application is being considered.
Back to Work grants(external link) — Auckland Business Chamber
Coromandel
Cyclone Gabrielle Business Recovery Grant(external link) — Thames Coromandel District Council
Bay of Plenty
Business Recovery Grants (Cyclone Gabrielle)(external link) — Toi Economic Development Agency
Tairāwhiti
Application for business support grant(external link) — Trust Tairāwhiti
Hawke’s Bay
Cyclone and flood recovery for businesses(external link) — Hawke’s Bay Chamber of Commerce
Tararua
Cyclone recovery grants for businesses(external link) — Tararua District Council
Wairarapa
Masterton District Council is setting up its application process. We will update this page as soon as it is ready.
Advice and support is also available through the Regional Business Partner Network.
Our advisors can help cyclone-affected businesses.
Support for farmers and growers
Farmers, growers and whenua Māori owners can apply for support from the Ministry for Primary Industries to get back on their feet. You cannot also apply for a grant from the cyclone and flooding recovery fund.
Cyclone Gabrielle recovery(external link) — Ministry for Primary Industries
Business helpline
Advice and guidance on support for affected businesses is provided by the Business Helpline, delivered by Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).
Call 0800 500 362 or email info@businesshelpline.co.nz.
Small business owners in Auckland who are facing challenges, especially relating to recent weather events, can find support through the online business platform Activate Community.
Mental health support
If you or your employees are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, help is available from First Steps.
Call: 0800 178 783