The Government is giving $150,000 to the Southland and Clutha Mayoral Relief Funds following the severe weather event that has taken place, Minister for Emergency Management Mark Mitchell announced yesterday (28 Oct).

$75,000 will go to the Southland region and $25,000 to the Clutha region for immediate needs, while the balance ($50,000) will come from the Ministry for Primary Industries and be evenly split between both regions.

Minister Mitchell said severe winds and heavy rain - now classified as a medium scale event - had caused prolonged power outages in large areas of the lower South Island.

“The Government’s contribution to the Mayoral Relief Funds meets the request from local leadership and will support local welfare, resilience building and recovery efforts, including clean-up."

“I want to thank everyone who is working to support the communities impacted by this event – Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups, council, first responders, iwi and volunteers, and members of the community who have pitched in.”

Mayoral Relief Funds help communities bounce back after an emergency. Local communities and councils understand where the immediate needs are and how to help individuals, whānau, community organisations, and marae.

The medium scale classification also unlocks further support for farmers and growers, which could include tax relief and enables MSD to consider Rural Assistance Payments and activating Enhanced Taskforce Green.

Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds said she was pleased that Government financial support was coming Southland’s way.

“It’s good that the Government has acted so quickly, contributing $100,000 to help Southland communities impacted by Thursday’s severe weather event."

“The way that the people of Invercargill and Southland have come together and supported each other during this time has been tremendous," Simmonds said.

“Our emergency services staff have also done an incredible job – including Civil Defence, Emergency Management Southland, Police and Fire, Council staff, SouthRoads and Downer staff, working long hours to keep people safe, clear debris and get power and communications restored."

“Powernet estimates 500 poles and lines came down across the region – that’s a huge number and PowerNet staff should be congratulated for the incredible job that they’re doing to get power restored."

"As of Monday about 6250 Southlanders remained without power - we are thinking of you all and hope that electricity is restored soon."

"This also means that some rural schools around Southland may not open today."

“Well done to Federated Farmers, Southland Rural Support Trust and the Ministry of Primary Industries for helping local people, while it was a great relief to get the Air Force involved in bringing generators South."