Mayoral Relief Fund opens for Western Bay storm victims

Western Bay of Plenty residents affected by the severe weather event of 21–22 January have until 15 February to apply for financial assistance through the district's Mayoral Relief Fund. The fund was established by Western Bay of Plenty District Council on 29 January, seeded with a $100,000 contribution from central government as part of a wider $1.2 million storm recovery package shared across six badly affected councils.

Mayor James Denyer said many whānau and small businesses were still dealing with unexpected costs — from emergency accommodation and essential household items to urgent work needed to safely access their properties — and the fund offered a practical, compassionate pathway for people who needed immediate help. The fund cannot cover damage already met by insurance or EQC, general maintenance unrelated to the storm, or large-scale long-term property repairs.

Denyer acknowledged the initial $100,000 would not stretch to cover the full scale of need across the district, and he welcomed public donations to the council's dedicated bank account (01-0434-0180600-000). The fund operates alongside the Acorn Foundation's Emergency Response Fund, which focuses on broader community wellbeing across Tauranga and the Western Bay. Applications can be lodged online at westernbay.govt.nz/mayoral-relief-fund, by emailing mayoral.relief@westernbay.govt.nz, or by picking up a form at any of the council's five library and service centres.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).