Articles tagged with Natural Disaster

Government Caps Council Rates Increases at 4% to Keep Costs Affordable

7 hours ago | 71 views

The Government will cap council rates increases at 4 percent to keep rates affordable and ease cost-of-living pressures, requiring councils to limit annual increases within a 2-4 percent target range starting from July 2027 and fully effective by July 2029. Exemptions to the cap will be allowed only in exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters or justified financial management needs, with councils required to consult their communities before setting rates. An independent regulator will oversee compliance, assess exemptions, advise on target ranges, and support councils during implementation, while water services remain regulated separately.

Tags: Simon Watts Local Government Council rates Rates capping New Zealand Cost of living Fiscal discipline Natural disasters Independent regulator

New Zealand Invests $3M to Upgrade Rangitata Ship for Disaster Relief

6 months ago | 992 views

New Zealand is investing $3 million to upgrade the coastal bulk ship Rangitata, enhancing its capacity to carry diverse cargo and access smaller ports during emergencies. The upgrade includes a ship-powered material handler, enabling loading and unloading without relying on port infrastructure, crucial when land routes and facilities are compromised. This investment aims to strengthen disaster resilience by ensuring vital supplies can reach isolated communities following natural disasters.

Tags: James Meager Rangitata Cyclone Gabrielle Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund Gisborne Napier New Zealand natural disasters coastal bulk ship material handler

Government Boosts Funding for Tasman District Clean-Up, Supporting Local Job Seekers

11 months ago | 890 views

The Government is allocating an additional $300,000 to aid the ongoing clean-up efforts in the Tasman district following heavy rainfall in June and July 2025. The Enhanced Taskforce Green program, activated in July, is employing local job seekers to assist farmers and growers in their recovery efforts. This funding extension, totaling $800,000, will support job seekers until December 2025, providing them with work experience and the opportunity to transition to seasonal horticulture work.

Tags: Louise Upston Government Funding Taskforce Green programme Job seekers Farmers Growers MSD Natural disaster