The Government is providing a $5 million package of emergency support to help businesses significantly affected by the recent flooding in Auckland.

This includes:

• $3 million for flood recovery payments to help significantly affected businesses
• $1 million for mental wellbeing support through a boost to the First Steps programme
• $1 million for small business advice focused on business continuity and resilience
• Inland Revenue will also waive penalties for late payments for Auckland, Northland, the Bay of Plenty, Thames/Coromandel and Waikato​​​​​​​​.

“The floods were devastating for many businesses in the Auckland region. It was sudden and could not be reasonably prepared for so it is expected that it will take a long time for many businesses to recover and start operating again,” Grant Robertson said.

“We developed this package of support through discussions with Auckland business leaders so it reflects the needs they identify.

“The money will be delivered through the Auckland Business Chamber, the Employers and Manufacturers Association, Whāriki (Auckland’s Māori Business Network) and the Pacific Business Trust.

“We will consider further support if required,” Grant Robertson said.

Inland Revenue will also provide support for affected businesses.

“If taxpayers are affected by the flooding and other weather-related damage contact IRD, it can waive penalties for late payments or late filing of returns,” David Parker said.

“It can waive interest on late payments by taxpayers in Auckland, Northland, the Bay of Plenty, Thames/Coromandel and Waikato.”

“On Tuesday I met with some of our small businesses who were hit hard by the Auckland floods. What they told me is that using existing business networks on the ground in Auckland is the most efficient and effective way to deliver this help, and that is what we are doing,” said Ginny Andersen.

“We know that for Auckland businesses who are still dealing with the impact of COVID, the floods have been another blow.

“This is a tough time, and in order to provide further support we are boosting funding for the business led First Step program which provides targeted mental health support to small business owners,” Ginny Andersen said.

The Government’s $5 million support package for Auckland businesses hit by the recent flooding is a welcome start that followed strong advocacy, says Hospitality New Zealand.

“No one has any idea what the true and final cost to the business of this event will be, but this package is a good start to getting businesses across Auckland, Northland, Bay of Plenty, Thames/Coromandel and Waikato back on their feet,” says Chief Executive Julie White.

“Hospitality NZ, as the voice for hospitality and accommodation has been working with the Government and advocating for targeted support for those businesses impacted by the weather events and flooding.

“Details on how businesses can apply for funds will be made available soon, and we will be strongly advocating to quickly get the money out the door to those who need it.

“We also welcome Inland Revenue’s decision to waive penalties for late payments or late filings of returns for businesses.

“This event has hit many businesses at a time they were still recovering from the shocks of recent years, so they need all the help they can get as quickly as we can get it to them.”