If your business has been impacted by recent Floods/Cyclone Gabrielle, you may be able to get support from your bank and/or the Government. Here are some of the packages available to businesses across New Zealand: 

1. Back to work grant for Auckland business

The Back to Work grants - part of a $5 million Government support package announced last week - will allow businesses to receive up to $5000.

The grants cover three categories:

• Up to $5000 for red/yellow stickered businesses
• Up to $2000 for other businesses (not red or yellow stickered) who can demonstrate significant need;
• $750 by declaration based on demonstration of a moderate level of need.

         To apply, businesses must:

• Have no less than one employee, and no more than 20
• Have been directly impacted, including but not limited to, having sustained damage to property/stock and have been unable to trade during normal trading hours
• Face significant cashflow issues due to continued challenges with customer access, ability to source stock, or operate as usual due to physical damage to equipment or premises, or delays in insurance assessment and repairs
• Be an otherwise viable business both before and after the flooding, and
• Commit to acting in line with employment law and with due regard to their employees.

You can find out more and apply here

2. $2,500 cash support available from Westpac

Westpac’s small business customers can apply for a $2,500 cash grant from the Small Business Flood Relief Fund. This also applies to businesses hit by the earlier Auckland floods. Visit the Westpac website and apply now.

3. $2,000 cash support available from ASB

ASB’s business and personal customers can apply for a one-off $2,000 cash payment for support. You’ll need to supply some evidence of the impact that Cyclone Gabrielle, or the recent flooding, have had on your operations. You can find out more and apply at the ASB website.

4. Support packages from other banks

Other major banks – including ANZ, BNZ, and Kiwibank – are offering businesses temporary overdrafts, zero-fee loan restructuring, interest only periods on loans, payment deferrals and other support. Get in touch with your bank to see what’s on offer.

5. Civil Defence payments

Anyone who has been displaced or can’t work due to Cyclone Gabrielle can apply for a Civil Defence payment. Eligibility is limited, so check the website for more information.

6. Flood recovery payments for Auckland businesses

Individuals, marae and community groups affected by this year’s extreme weather events in Auckland can apply for a grant from the Auckland Council Emergency Relief Fund. You can find out more and apply here.

7. Inland Revenue waives late payment penalties

Inland Revenue has announced it will waive late payment penalties for businesses unable to file or pay tax on time due to the recent extreme weather. More information here.

We can help with securing funding and support

If you need assistance in demonstrating the impact of the weather events on your business, we can help. We can also complete funding applications on your behalf, and talk to the Inland Revenue about support for your tax situation.

Get in touch, we’re here to help.