Hope for families still struggling after storms

Mahurangi Hope Community Trust (MHCT) is running an Adverse Weather Events Support Programme with funding from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to help families in Rodney affected by severe weather events.

This includes people who may still be struggling in the aftermath of the 2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.

MHCT programme manager Heather Free says while the trust helps the community in a variety of ways, this is the first time they’ve done something specifically for those affected by weather events.

“It might be that you’ve lost some essential items that you can’t afford to replace, or it could be that you’ve replaced them and that’s created a financial situation for you where you can no longer afford other essentials.

“It could be gravel to repair a driveway, an air mattress or school fees. Every situation is different. We’re not just handing out cash, we’re finding out what they need, sourcing it for them and then passing it on.”

Free adds, “We’ve helped around six or seven people so far and are keen to connect with anyone else who needs help.”

MSD regional commissioner, Auckland North-West Lynda Smardon, says the trust has been contracted to deliver a 12-month Adverse Weather Events Support Programme in the Mahurangi region, which is funded through the North Island Weather Events funding. 

“The funding was made available in response to the ongoing impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle (January, 2023) and ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam (April, 2025). The funding is time-limited and due to end on April 30 next year,” she says.

“The programme provides wraparound support for families still recovering from these events, and includes ongoing needs assessments and connection to services, funding, and resources.”

Smardon says the total investment for the programme is $140,000.

In addition to this, MSD has continued to support the trust as a community food provider through the Food Secure Communities Programme, with grants of $20,000 in both 2024/25 and 2025/26 to help meet the increased demand for food support.

This food funding is time-limited and ends June 30 next year.

To apply for assistance contact Heather at heather@mahu.org.nz