Tararua District businesses will be eligible for grants of up to $40,000 as part of a $25 million recovery package from the government to help businesses in cyclone-affected regions clean up and get back on their feet.
Local organisations in the affected regions will distribute the grants.
The Ministry of Business said it would post a list of local grant-giving organisations in early March, giving them time to set up their application and payment processes.
Finance Minister Grant Robertson said local groups were best positioned to distribute the grants.
“Our priority is to get this initial emergency support out as quickly as possible.
“Those on the ground in communities know best how to do that.
Farmers and growers can apply for support from MPI in a separate $25 million package.
Farmers are eligible for grants of up to $10,000 to help with farm repairs.
Growers are eligible for grants of $2000 per hectare up to $40,000 to remove silt from trees and vines and support clean−up.
