The relief options also remain available for those hit by floods in Auckland, Northland, Waitomo, and Thames-Coromandel
Westpac NZ is now offering its relief options for customers who have been affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle.
Impacted small business customers in regions where a state of emergency has been declared may be eligible for $2,500 cash grants, while business and personal customers may be eligible for a range of other support.
$1 million Small Business Flood Relief Fund
Small business customers who were financially impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle can apply for a $2,500 cash grant to help with urgent expenses or repairs.
The $1 million Small Business Flood Relief Fund for small businesses, which also remains available for flood-hit customers in Northland, Auckland, Waitomo, and Thames-Coromandel, can be accessed until it is fully allocated, or until Feb. 24, 5pm, whichever is earlier, subject to terms and conditions.
To access the fund, customers can apply at www.westpac.co.nz.
Other support
For business and personal customers impacted by the severe weather, they may also access the following support:
- suspension of principal payments for up to three months on business loans
- deferred payment on business credit cards for up to three months
- a temporary overdraft facility for business customers
- access to term deposit funds for individuals suffering hardship
- suspension of home loan payments for up to three months for individuals ahead on their repayments and who have a sufficient undrawn balance
- hardship support for customers facing significant financial challenges
Catherine McGrath, Westpac NZ CEO, said it’s been a tough start to the year for many customers.
“Upper North Island residents were just catching their breath from the extreme weather and flooding two weeks ago and now this new weather system has caused even more damage,” McGrath said. “We acknowledge the impact these back-to-back extreme weather events are having on our customers and we are here to help them get through it.”
The Westpac boss said the $2,500 cash grants were initially offered to small businesses affected by flooding in late January.
“We’ve assisted operators in a range of industries, including hospitality and construction,” McGrath said. “Many reported losing stock and equipment, as well as damage to premises. We have also been helping businesses that have lost income due to customer cancellations, and a number of organisations that remain badly impacted by the closure of State Highway 25A across the Coromandel.”
She urged customers to stay across closures to branches by visiting the Westpac website.
“Today all of our branches in Northland are closed,” she said. “Some branches in Auckland, the Coromandel, Gisborne, and other parts of the upper North Island are also closed or may shut early. Customers should take care when planning a visit to a branch and consider calling our contact centre instead.”
How have you or your organisation helped those impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle? Share your story with us in the comments section below.
