Financial help to recover from Cyclone Gabrielle
The Government has provided $51 million to help farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners recover from Cyclone Gabrielle.
Any pastoral or arable farmer/grower, or grower, in hard-to-reach areas significantly affected by the cyclone can still apply for a recovery grant.
Applications for the urgent clean-up grants closed at 5pm on 20 March 2023. However, applications from farmers, growers and whenua Māori owners in hard-to-reach areas will be considered until 5pm on 3 April 2023.
How to apply for a cyclone recovery grant
- Complete a short application form, describing the damage and the work being undertaken.
- Email your completed form to funding@mpi.govt.nz. You can also scan or take photos of the completed application form.
- Keep copies of records, such as invoices, receipts, and quotes.
Cyclone recovery grant application form [PDF, 301 KB]
It is important to ensure your application is filled out correctly. We’ve produced a checklist to help with the process.
Cyclone recovery grant application guidelines – updated 9 March 2023 [PDF, 714 KB]
If you need help completing your application, freephone 0800 00 83 33 or email funding@mpi.govt.nz
If you own multiple properties, email us at cg2023multipropertyapplications@mpi.govt.nz
What the grants can be used for
The grants are to help farmers and growers get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
They include:
- up to $10,000 for pastoral and arable farmers/growers to help with initial recovery, such as repairs to water infrastructure for livestock, and fencing
- up to $2,000 per hectare (up to a maximum of $40,000) to remove silt from trees and vines, support clean-up, and minimise future losses.
Types of costs covered by the grant:
- staff costs associated with clean-up
- cost of contracting companies
- cost of advice to help with clean-up and recovery activities.
Services provided by volunteer groups are not eligible for grant funding.
A group of primary sector experts will help monitor the funding to ensure it is going towards appropriate uses.
Farmers and growers who have already received an MPI clean-up grant are not eligible to apply again.
Find out more
Cyclone Gabrielle farmer and grower recovery grants (fact sheet) [PDF, 6.2 MB]
Media release 6 March 2023: Government approves $26 million grant extension for farmers and growers
Media release – Government details $25 million to Cyclone Gabrielle primary sector recovery
Cyclone Gabrielle rural fencing support
Farmers and growers with damaged fences or growing structures can also access support through a new fund.
Financial support is available to help provide vital materials, such as posts and wires. MPI has contributed $100,000 to the fund.
Businesses with cyclone damage can access up to $5,000 by applying here.
Cyclone Gabrielle rural sector funding
The Government also provided $4 million to help rural communities with immediate recovery needs. This was targeted funding to help with urgent primary sector needs that were not being met by other organisations. That fund is now closed.
The fund has been fully committed to a range of projects covering aerial surveys, mental wellbeing, recovery advice, logistics and transport, and reimbursement of costs of urgent response activity.
