Support extended to Far North communities through New Zealand Red Cross and Far North District Council partnership
13 March 2026
Communities in the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Ward of the Far North affected by the severe weather event in January are able to receive additional recovery support through a partnership between New Zealand Red Cross and the Far North District Council.
New Zealand Red Cross has committed $45,000 from the New Zealand Disaster Fund to extend the reach of Te Tahua Toka Tū Moana - Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund. This funding will help households in the rural communities of Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Ward that experienced significant flooding and infrastructure damage but were not eligible for Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) recovery payments. This partnership helps close that gap, ensuring assistance reaches those who would otherwise have gone without support. As a result, applications have also been further extended until Sunday 22 March.
“Severe weather events can have lasting impacts on communities, particularly in rural areas where recovery options can be limited,” said Sean Stewart, General Manager Emergency Management and International at New Zealand Red Cross.
“By partnering with the Far North District Council, we’re able to support households in their recovery, while working alongside local leaders and community networks who understand where the needs are greatest.”
Several communities across the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Ward were heavily impacted by the severe weather. Families experienced flooding of homes, damage to water systems and infrastructure, and the loss of essential household items.
In some cases, the impacts were significant but fell outside the areas where Civil Defence payments were available.
Through this partnership, Te Tahua Toka Tū Moana - Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund will allocate New Zealand Red Cross funding to households most in need working with local council representatives, community leaders and marae networks. This funding will provide support to help affected households replace essential items lost during the flooding, such as beds and bedding, appliances and generators, as well as equipment needed to restore safe water access including pumps, filters and hosing.
For those who have already applied to the relief fund, the council will check applications against the New Zealand Red Cross fund, and if eligible, individuals will be notified and the grant will be paid directly into bank accounts.
By working together, New Zealand Red Cross and the Far North District Council can combine humanitarian support with local knowledge and established community relationships, helping ensure assistance reaches households that need it most as recovery continues.
More information
For further information and application criteria visit: https://www.fndc.govt.nz/services/civil-defence-in-the-far-north/Te-Tahua-Toka-Tu-Moana-Mayoral-Disaster-Relief-Fund
Contact for Mayoral Fund: If you have any questions, please email recoverymanager@fndc.govt.nz
Lead image: New Zealand Red Cross disaster management vehicle.