Government Boost to Mayoral Relief Fund

Dunedin (Wednesday, 17 June 2015) – The Dunedin City Council has welcomed a generous Government donation to help people badly affected by recent flooding.

Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye today announced the Government will contribute $100,000 to the Mayoral Relief Fund to support people affected by flooding in the city earlier this month.

Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull says he is grateful and thankful for the contribution by the Government.

“This money will go a long way towards helping members of our community who need it most and will support those who are struggling to get back into clean, dry homes.”

Dunedin’s Deputy Mayor Chris Staynes says the donation recognises the effects the flood had on a concentrated slice of Dunedin’s population.

“The fund will be a further boost to the residents that don’t have insurance or other funding to cover the water damage caused by the flood. We warmly appreciate the move by the Minister.”

Mr Staynes says a street appeal for the Dunedin Flood, which will be held this Friday from Midday through to 6pm will also add some money to the fund. “Look out for collectors in high visibility vests and DCC labels.” He says the street appeal complements the nationwide Dunedin Flood Appeal which was launched last week to help badly affected flood victims.

As funding work is winding up, the need for the Recovery Assistance Centre, in the Church of Christ Hall at 3 Prince Albert Road, is winding down and will close today at 4pm. Recovery Manager Simon Pickford says, as expected, the number of visitors to the centre has dropped significantly since last week.

“Our priority has been making sure people who are in badly damaged homes or who need other assistance get help as soon as possible.”

“With only a handful of people calling in yesterday and today, it isn’t viable to keep the centre open and staffed. We really encourage anyone who still has questions or issues to ring us on 03 477 4000 and we can help them get the advice and support they need.”

Last week’s floods affected about 1250 properties across the city, according to data collected by the Dunedin City Council. Of these about 280 had the greatest need, including those with significant health risks and accommodation issues. In addition, there were another 973 properties which had been flood damaged to varying degrees. About 6000 homes were visited in total.

Relief fund application forms, and other flood recovery information, can be found on www.dunedin.govt.nz/floodrecovery.

Donations to the flood appeal are being accepted at all Dunedin Westpac branches. Donations can be made directly to 03 0905 0184000 18.

The street appeal will be held on Friday, 19 June.

ENDS

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