Deadline For Mayoral Relief Fund Extended

Hutt City Council is extending the deadline for applications to its Mayoral Flood Relief Fund to Friday 16 April.

To date there have been around 40 applications for assistance. The types of requests people are making to the fund include money to replace beds, clothing, big ticket household items such as fridges, washing machines and driers, cars that have been written off, stereos and furniture.

"Some applicants indicated they had insurance and were applying for expenses that insurance did not cover. Others are waiting to have their claims settled before seeking help with any shortfall. I would encourage these people to apply anyway," said Mayor Terris.

"I have visited a number of people over the past few weeks, who are quietly going about trying to get things back to normal and who are struggling to cope.

"I have found, particularly among some older residents, a view that 'they don't want to put anyone to any bother and that there are lots of other people worse off.'

"It is very important that people take the opportunity to apply to the Mayoral Relief Fund for assistance with flood related damage or loss. People should not try to get through this on their own. There is assistance available and people should not be too proud to ask for help," said Mayor Terris.

"Through the generosity of New Zealanders we have considerable funding to help people get their lives back on track. Whether people have insurance or not, whether they think they are eligible or not, please come forward and make a claim. The money is there to help."

"Hutt Valley Rotary Clubs have also indicated a willingness to help anyone in need. Some clubs are organising a school holiday camp for children aged 7-12 and others are offering to "adopt-a-family" to offer practical help and emotional support."

Mayor John Terris is also urging sporting and community groups that may have suffered damage in last month's floods to contact Council in case they are eligible for compensation.

The Government announced (24 March) that it is making additional funds of up to $80,000 available to each council to assist in the repair of 'non-council owned assets, such as marae or community sports facilities, that may have been seriously affected by the floods, or supporting community organisations that may have used their own resources in providing assistance during the flood.'

"This will be welcome news to the sports and community clubs that have suffered flood damage and which were facing an uncertain future," said Mayor Terris.

"I am also delighted to report that Council has received a cheque for $100,000 from the Holmes Show, which will be added to the approximately $90,000 already in the Mayoral Relief Fund.

"On behalf of Council and Hutt City residents I sincerely thank the initiative of the Holmes Show team, and the generosity of New Zealanders in the donations they made.

"With the Government's pledge to match the amount in the Mayoral Relief Fund dollar for dollar, we have a significant sum of money to assist flood victims to get back on their feet," said Mayor Terris.

Anyone wanting to apply for assistance from either the Mayoral Flood Relief Fund, or the assistance to sporting and community groups announced by the Government can ring Chris du Fall on 570 6666 to request an application form or come in and pick one up from the Main Council Building in Laings Rd.

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