Weather Event 29 Dec 2025 - Update Five - Mayoral Relief Fund

Published on January 02, 2026

Horowhenua District Council Mayor, Bernie Wanden has today activated of the Mayoral Relief Fund to support residents and whānau who have been financially impacted by the recent severe weather and prolonged power outages across the district. 

Mayor Wanden says the decision recognises the real pressure many households are facing following days of disruption, food spoilage, property damage, and unexpected costs. 

“This weather event has been incredibly challenging for many in our community, particularly over the holiday period. While recovery efforts are well underway, we know some residents may need immediate financial support to help them get back on their feet,” Mayor Wanden said. 

“The Mayoral Relief Fund is about helping those who need it most, providing practical assistance and reassurance that we’re all in this together as a community” 

The Fund will provide targeted financial assistance for eligible residents experiencing hardship as a result of the weather event.  

Mayor Wanden encouraged anyone who may be struggling to reach out. 

“If you’re unsure whether this support applies to you, I encourage you to look into the fund. Asking for help is not a bad thing and it’s part of how we look after one another as a community.” 

The application form can be found on the Horowhenua Mayoral Relief Fund page.

Additional financial support

If you’re feeling the financial or personal strain, Ministry of Social Development (MSD) may be able to help with: 

• Emergency or special needs assistance 
• Temporary financial support 
• Reaching out early can make things easier. You don’t have to wait until things get tough.Our understanding is that MSD Offices open from Monday. You can also contact MSD by calling 0800 559 009. 

Insurance support - a few helpful tips

If you’re starting an insurance claim: 

• Take photos of damage (where safe to do so) 
• Contact your insurer early, even if details are still coming together 
• Keep a simple list of what’s been affected 
• If you’re unsure, ask your insurer what they need, they’ll guide you through it. 
• If you need help with a claim, the New Zealand Claims Resolution Service offers free, independent support at nzcrs.govt.nz. 

Spoiled food disposal

We have arranged free disposal of spoiled food for residents in Foxton, Foxton Beach, Shannon, Opiki and Tokomaru. This can be dropped off at the Foxton and Shannon Transfer Stations. Normal operating hours apply and can be found on our website. 

We’ve also arranged some pop up disposal options for those who cannot make it to a transfer station. On Sunday, we'll have a team at Opiki Hall and Tokomaru Hall between 10am and 12pm who will take your storm related food waste. 

Food waste needs to be double bagged and separate from all other waste. 

Green waste from the storm

With the strong winds, we know many properties have storm debris: 

Green waste skip bins will be in place shortly for community use. They will be at Tokomaru Recycling Station (Tokomaru Hall) and Shannon Transfer Station (Northern end of Thompson Street). Our team is working to have these in place tomorrow (Saturday) and available from Sunday. We'll keep you posted. 

Our friends at the Tokomaru Fire Brigade opened up the Tokomaru Domain today and again on Sunday from 12-2pm for green waste drop off. 

These are for storm-related green waste only. We trust our community to use these responsibly so everyone benefits. 

Can't get to a station or a bin?

See if your insurance company can help out or connect with a family member, neighbour, or friend who may be able to assist. We will reassess the green waste situation on Monday to consider other options to support.  

Thank you to those who have been conserving water

Thank you to everyone who has been conserving water. Your efforts are helping reservoirs recover and keeping services stable. Foxton and Foxton Beach remain at Level 2 water conservation. This means reducing non-essential outdoor water use, avoiding watering lawns and gardens, keeping showers short, and delaying car washing and outdoor cleaning where you can. 

Your wellbeing and welfare assistance

Weather events like this don’t just knock out power, they knock routines, sleep, and peace of mind. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, or just not yourself, that’s completely understandable. Please check in on neighbours, whānau, and anyone who might need extra support. 

While we are a smaller Horowhenua District Council Team over the holiday period, we’re still here, we’re listening, and we’ll do our best to help where we can. If you need something, or have a welfare concern, you can reach us on 06 366 0999.  

Take care of yourselves and each other, Horowhenua. We’ll continue to share updates as more support options become available.