Cyclone Gabrielle update

It is a testing and stressful time for many in our industry, particularly those in the Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Northland regions. Please continue to make connections within your communities and reach out to HortNZ and product groups. With communications to most areas restored, product groups are completing their calls and emails and starting to re-contact growers about the clean-up and size of the impact. 

Recovery funding

The Government has announced its first round of recovery grants intended to help growers and their businesses begin the recovery process. At this stage, the initial grant approved is capped at $40,000 per grower.

These grants can be used to fund advice and activity associated with the immediate clean-up too.

In the application process, please be as clear as possible about everything you require for clean-up. Include the total cost of your clean-up and keep all your receipts and documentation, as you would normally for your business.

Please email MPI at funding@mpi.govt.nz if you need assistance with your application.

Click here to apply for a recovery grant

How to help

Many people are asking how they can best support growers in affected areas.

Those wanting to help can donate to industry-specific relief funds. Visit the ‘Cyclone Gabrielle – Grower Support’ page on our website to donate to one of the three relief funds.

Alternatively, if you would like to offer practical help, visit the New Zealand Apples & Pears Incorporated (NZAPI) ‘Resource Finder’ portal. Here you can offer resources, machinery and equipment to help affected growers, particularly for clean-up. Growers can also post what they need to this portal.

Click here to use the NZAPI 'Resource Finder' portal

HortNZ and your product groups will continue to keep you informed with the latest information through email correspondence and the Cyclone Gabrielle Update newsletter.

Please also check the ‘Cyclone Gabrielle – Grower Support’ page on our website for grower-specific resources and information. This is updated daily.