North Island floods
31 January 2023.
Help is available if you're affected by the floods in Auckland, Waikato, Waitomo or Tairāwhiti.
Update 14 March 2023
Civil Defence payments have closed for the North Island floods, however we may still be able to help if you have urgent or unexpected costs because of the floods:
There are lots of ways we can help, and we can point you in the right direction based on your situation. You don't have to be on a benefit. You may have to pay the money back depending on your situation.
Find out more about what help is available:
Civil Defence payments
Civil Defence payments are available for people affected by the flooding. You don't have to be getting a benefit, and in most cases it doesn't matter what your income is or what assets you have. Non-residents may be eligible for this payment.
A Civil Defence Payment can help with:
- emergency food, clothing and bedding if yours has been damaged or destroyed by the flooding
- costs if you’ve had to leave your home
- loss of income because you can't work due to the flooding
- a payment if you have evacuees staying with you in places such as a private home, marae or community centres.
Other areas
If you've been affected by flooding outside of Auckland, Waikato, Waitomo or Tairāwhiti, and you're on a low income or benefit, we may be able to help. Call 0800 88 99 00 to talk about what you need and how we can help.