Hīkina Wairarapa

Wairarapa Recovery

Kia ora and welcome to the Hīkina Wairarapa – Wairarapa Recovery website. This site brings together information and resources for individuals and communities across Wairarapa impacted by natural hazards.

Tonoa ētahi pūtea | Apply for Funding

Cyclone Gabrielle

Our current recovery response

Over the course of 12-13 February 2023, Wairarapa was struck by Cyclone Gabrielle, a tropical cyclone that caused widespread damage to regions across the North Island, with nine regional states of emergency declared.

Eastern and coastal communities in Wairarapa were hit, with some communities experiencing severe flooding and slips, damage to farm equipment, pastures and fencing, and stock losses. Several communities were cut off, and damage in our rural sector saw some families evacuating their homes.

On this site you will find:

Wairarapa Mayoral Relief Fund
Other financial support available
How to deal with damaged buildings
Health and wellbeing support
How you can help
How to contact your council

Te Whai Āwhina

Getting Support

If you were affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, there are a number of ways to access financial and wellbeing support.



Mayoral Relief Fund

The Relief Fund is to support affected individuals, families, community organisations, businesses, and marae. Read more about the criteria and how to apply.



Business Recovery Grant

If your business has been impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle, you may be able to get a grant from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).



Other Financial Support

There are other grants and payments available from Civil Defence and Central Government.



Health and Wellbeing Support

Anxiety is very common during an emergency event, see more about where to get support.

Te Āhua o Tō Āwhina

How You Can Help

Make a Donation

The three Wairarapa mayors have set up a relief fund in response to the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle. Funding is open to anyone across Wairarapa who has been impacted by Gabrielle.
If you would like to contribute directly to the fund, donations can be made to:

Masterton District Council Westpac Account
03-0687-0271682-03
Reference ‘WAISTORM’

Masterton District Council is also accepting cash donations at its offices at 161 Queen Street.

See more information about other Mayoral Relief Funds across the North Island.

Ngā karere o te wā

Latest News

Rapid building assessments following Cyclone Gabrielle

Feb 27, 2023

Masterton District Council has carried out rapid building assessments in the Tinui area to determine whether buildings affected by Cyclone Gabrielle are safe to occupy. Tinui township and surrounding areas (including Castlepoint, Mataikona and Whakataki) have been...

Major boost for recovery response

Feb 27, 2023

Communities near and far have shown their generosity, with healthy support being offered to Wairarapa recovery efforts in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. The recently established Wairarapa Mayoral Relief Fund has seen donations start to arrive, with a recent healthy...