The New Zealand Government will provide $15 million to help raise 200 homes at risk of flooding for the North Island coastline community of Tairawhiti Gisborne.  

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says the project aims to raise more than 100 homes in the Te Karaka settlement alone after it was severely hit by Cyclone Gabrielle and the North Island floods earlier this year. A further 100 homes, as chosen by the local council, will also be eligible for lifting projects.  

“This work is critical for Tairawhiti iwi and homeowners who have been displaced due to the recent weather events,” Mr Hipkins said.  

“Elevated houses enable residents to return to their homes, allowing individuals to recover emotionally and materially in a more stable environment.”  

“While broader and more complex resilience measures may take a bit longer, raising houses provides an immediate and tangible solution that significantly reduces risk.”  

The funding is part of the NZ Government’s $100 million investment into practical flood protection infrastructure such as stop banks and home raises, as Mr Hipkins admits “more work” is needed to help support cyclone and flood-affected regions across the country.