Large scale emergency
If you or your family have been affected by an emergency we may be able to offer assistance. We may be able to support clean-up projects after an event by providing subsidies or volunteers.
Government Helpline
In a large scale emergency, the Government Helpline may be activated. Call this helpline for information about the services and assistance available to affected people.
- Government Helpline: 0800 779 997
You may be offered services such as:
- emergency assistance
- victim support
- tax relief
Websites that may help
Information about current emergencies, preparing for emergencies, and links to your local Civil Defence.
New Zealand's National Meteorological Service
Information and checklists on what you can do before, during and after a disaster to help you and your family.
Emergency assistance
There are a number of payments that can help you in, and after, an emergency. Not all of them are listed below so if you need financial assistance please contact us.
Remember, that to get help when you've been affected by an emergency:
- you don't have to be on a benefit
- a civil defence emergency doesn't need to be declared.
This helps you, in certain circumstances, pay for something when you have no other way of paying for it.
If you're getting a benefit and have an immediate need for something essential, you may be able to get an advance payment of your benefit.
This helps you pay for something you need urgently when you have no other way of paying for it.
Payments to meet the essential living expenses of farming families affected by an adverse event such as a flood, drought or other natural disaster.
Extra help in a civil defence emergency
If you've been affected by an emergency that's been declared a civil defence emergency, you may be able to get a Civil Defence Payment as well as our normal assistance.
If you've been evacuated due to a civil defence emergency, this payment helps with costs for:
- accommodation
- food, bedding and clothing
- loss of income.
Information about financial assistance you may qualify for if you've been affected by a civil defence emergency.
Help with clean-up projects
After an event we can help the community get back on its feet by providing workers to help clean-up the mess.
Assistance for projects which help communities clean-up after adverse weather events or natural disasters.
The Government may approve the use of Taskforce Green with larger subsidies.
We may be able to provide voluntary workers for a community clean-up or emergency related project.
Contact us
Everyone's situation is different. We're here to help if you need it. We may be able to offer extra assistance during or after an emergency.
Contact us if you:
- would like assistance
- aren't sure if you can get assistance
- are struggling to support yourself or your family
- would like more information.