The New Zealand government has extended its financial support for displaced residents following the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle last year, and the South Island floods in August 2022.

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced the extension after the government in April widened eligibility criteria for the Temporary Accommodation Assistance scheme, which helps homeowners who cannot live in their properties due to specific severe weather events.

Residents who lack insurance for reasons outside their control but who took reasonable steps to get cover are now eligible for financial help from the scheme. 

Ms Upston says people who were displaced by the 2022 and 2023 catastrophes will be supported by the extension of weekly assistance payments through to June 30 next year.

“We know some people impacted by these weather events are doing it tough by having to cover costs on their uninhabitable homes like mortgage payments, rates and insurance, while also paying for temporary accommodation,” she said.

“Extending this payment for another year will help them bridge the gap until repairs are undertaken or a decision is made on the future of their property.”