Mayoral relief fund proposed for Mackenzie District
A mayoral relief fund, to help those in times of need, has been proposed by the Mackenzie District Council.
If approved by councillors at a meeting on Thursday, the fund will provide a one-off hardship grant to residents or ratepayers for damage or hardship in the wake of a large scale emergency.
A draft relief fund policy report, to be tabled at the council’s planning and regulations committee meeting, says when the grant is awarded, it may be used for any purpose related to the emergency event.
‘‘It may be for a fire. That’s pretty topical at the moment, and we’re currently in an extreme weather situation.
‘‘We need to ensure we have funding in case we need to get it out to people,’’ mayor Graham Smith said. If established, the fund could also accept donations from people and organisations who wished to offer financial support in the wake of an emergency.
It’s aimed at supporting people with essential costs of daily life, not covered by insurance or other funds.
It would also be available to alleviate the emotional and financial stress experienced by individuals and families due to emergency events.
Smith said the council has not had the luxury of a relief fund in the past, but the idea had been on the table for some time.
"It’s always been asked what we could do as a council ... because otherwise we would have to call a council meeting and get approval [to distribute funds].
‘‘A lot of the time this money is needed immediately ... it just gives the mayors the chance to make a decision on the ground and get things moving.’’
People affected by the 2300ha Tasman District fire could apply for some of the $343,182 in its council fund from Friday.
Mid-South Canterbury deputy principal rural fire officer Carrie Lakin earlier told Stuff the recent Nelson fires highlighted people in rural areas were more at risk of fire. Rural properties were more at risk due to being isolated, and resources would often take longer to reach a rural property in case of a fire, she said.