Kia ora koutou,

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou, ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou, aroha nui ki a koutou.

Red Cross just launched their New Zealand Disaster Fund this week: https://www.redcross.org.nz/about-us/what-we-do/in-new-zealand/new-zealand-disaster-fund-hub/applying-for-funding-support/

This funding is specifically for communities, marae, groups, religious organisations, and businesses – and, unlike a lot of other funding that is focussed on reimbursing for direct welfare costs after an event, this funding is specifically for helping communities prepare for future events.

Please feel free to forward this on to anyone who you think might be eligible and interested in applying – I’ve spoken regularly with Red Cross, and they really understand the importance of marae, rūnanga, Iwi social services, and communities who set up Community-Led Centres during emergencies.

Thank you again for all that you’re doing in assisting communities across Tai Tokerau in this Recovery phase from Cyclone Gabrielle!