If your business has been impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, you may be able to get support from your bank and/or the Government. Here are some of the support offerings available to businesses across New Zealand:
$2,500 cash support available from Westpac
Westpac’s small business customers can apply for a $2,500 cash grant from the Small Business Flood Relief Fund. This also applies to businesses hit by the earlier Auckland floods. Visit the Westpac website and apply now.
$2,000 cash support available from ASB
ASB’s business and personal customers can apply for a one-off $2,000 cash payment for support. You’ll need to supply some evidence of the impact that Cyclone Gabrielle, or the recent flooding, have had on your operations. You can find out more and apply at the ASB website.
Support packages from other banks
Other major banks – including ANZ, BNZ, and Kiwibank – are offering businesses temporary overdrafts, zero-fee loan restructuring, interest only periods on loans, payment deferrals and other support. Get in touch with your bank to see what’s on offer.
Civil Defence payments
Anyone who has been displaced or can’t work due to Cyclone Gabrielle can apply for a Civil Defence payment. Eligibility is limited, so check the website for more information.
Flood recovery payments for Auckland businesses
Individuals, marae and community groups affected by this year’s extreme weather events in Auckland can apply for a grant from the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund. You can find out more and apply here.
Inland Revenue waives late payment penalties
Inland Revenue has announced it will waive late payment penalties for businesses unable to file or pay tax on time due to the recent extreme weather. More information here.
Support from your industry
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced funding to mobilise and co-ordinate recovery efforts for farmers, growers, whenua Māori owners and rural communities.
Many industry groups have emergency support information available on their websites:
Dairy NZ
Retail NZ
Hospitality NZ
Restaurant NZ
Horticulture NZ
Government grants for Businesses from early March 2023
If you own a business in one of the seven regions that have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle or January flooding you can apply for support to help with recovery. The areas are Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay and Tararua.
Eligible businesses can apply for a grant up to $40,000. Businesses must not already be receiving funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries recovery fund.
Some criteria will apply. Applications will be via local partners. These will be published in early March on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website.
If you need assistance in demonstrating the impact of the weather events on your business, we can help. We can also talk to the Inland Revenue about support for your tax situation.
Get in touch, we’re here to help.