Thames Coromandel Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund Opens

The following information has been provided by the Thames Coromandel District Council in a press release published on the 24 January 2026. For further information or updates please see the links below or contact the Council directly. 

Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund opens 

The Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund is open to Thames-Coromandel District Council residents, ratepayers or small business owners, and not-for-profit organisations who have suffered financial hardship because of damages caused by the weather event. 

The Fund may be used to support and meet the needs of affected individuals, families, community organisations, small businesses and marae. 

It can be used to provide financial support for: 

• Cleaning debris from properties where people are uninsured or underinsured
• Supporting individuals/families faced with hardships as a result of the emergency
• Assisting small businesses impacted by the emergency
• Assisting people with basic needs, household goods and personal items where the individual/family is uninsured or underinsured
• Assisting with insurance excess payments.

The aim of the fund is to help towards alleviating the emotional and financial stress experienced by individuals and families as a result of the event. The fund provides one-off assistance for extraordinary circumstances, where a real need can be shown.

The fund is a last resort measure when people have exhausted other appropriate sources such as Work and Income New Zealand, the Natural Hazards Commission and other government agencies. 

The closing date for applying to the fund is Friday 6 March 2026. 

The Thames-Coromandel District Council released that they have a dedicated bank account and  are also calling for donations to the fund with details on donating to Coromandel communities here. 

I stood in the Emergency Operations Centre yesterday with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and watched our Civil Defence team in action, directing and coordinating the response to this week’s storm. I have been so impressed with the work of our people and grateful for their contributions. 

We ask our community to continue showing patience and understanding as council staff, contractors, partner agencies and community volunteers work around the clock to restore essential services. Many have been working day and night to return our district to some sense of normality. 

The impact on our own roading and infrastructure has been severe, and while Coromandel people are known for their resilience, the long-term effects remain a concern for Council. 

Our thoughts are also with communities elsewhere in New Zealand who have been affected by this weather event.  

Today we officially open the Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund, and the first contribution has already arrived.  

This support will play an important role in helping our communities recover. 

Thank you for your continued strength, patience, and care for one another. We’re in this together—now more than ever, the spirit of Coromandel resilience is what will see us through.

– Mayor Peter Revell, Thames Coromandel District Council. 

Details about how to apply

The closing date for applying to the fund is 6 March 2026. Information can be emailed, posted or delivered in person to the Council. A PDF application form and further information supporting the application may be requested. 

For more information and to download the online form go to the Thames Coromandel District Council website . 

Council also encourage individuals that require assistance to complete the form, to please call 07 8680200 and speak to Council customer service personnel or visit Council service centres or public libraries.