This page provides an overview of the various resources and initiatives in place to support the business recovery from the recent cyclone and flooding events. Further detail and information can be found at the links listed.
On this page you will find:
- Government grants for recovery support
- Targeted support for farmers and growers
- Business helpline
- Cyclone recovery visa
- Cyclone Gabrielle Taskforce
- Duty relief for cyclone-affected businesses
Government grants for recovery support
The Government is providing $75 million in recovery support to businesses in eight regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and January floods in the North Island. You can apply for a grant of up to $40,000 to help you:
- keep operating and position you for a successful recovery,
- maintain cashflow.
Further details can be found here.
Targeted support for farmers and growers
Farmers, growers and whenua Māori owners can apply for support from the Ministry for Primary Industries to get back on their feet. You cannot also apply for a grant from the cyclone and flooding recovery fund. Click here for further information.
Business helpline
Advice and guidance on support for affected businesses is provided by the Business Helpline, delivered by our network partner, the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). Call 0800 500 362 or email info@businesshelpline.co.nz.
Cyclone recovery visa
The Recovery Visa (a Specific Purpose Work Visa), will allow employers to sponsor migrants to come to New Zealand for a specific event or purpose, including working on an emergency response. INZ will aim to process applications for the Recovery Visa within a week. The initial visa will last up to 6 months. The $700 fee will be refunded for successful applicants. Further details of the scheme of how to apply can be found here.
Cyclone Gabrielle Taskforce
The government has established the Cyclone Gabrielle Taskforce. This body will aim to ensure affected communities are at the centre of the decision-making process and that local voices are fed back to government. The Taskforce is chaired by Sir Brian Roche and will oversee specialist groups of experts who will advise the Government on what is required for the recovery and how to improve resilience to climate change and severe weather in the future. Business Central will be engaging with the Taskforce as the recovery work progress. Further information about the Taskforce can be found here.
Duty relief for cyclone-affected businesses
Following Cabinet approval, further assistance is now available for businesses impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, with Customs able to offer payment plans and remit late-payments. Impacted businesses are encouraged to contact their local excise team to see what support options are available. More information can be found on Customs’ website www.customs.govt.nz/weather-event.
If there are further specific recovery and relief measures you would like to see implemented, please get in touch with our Head of Corporate Affairs & Policy, Ed Gibbs. Ed can be reached at ed.gibbs@businesscentral.org.nz or on 027 280 3622.
