Auckland Communities Receive $1.8M in Grants from Cyclone Gabrielle Relief Fund

Two years after Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread devastation across Auckland and other parts of the North Island, the impact of Kiwis' generosity through a special Lotto draw is now being felt on the ground. Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has confirmed that $1.8 million in grant funding has been distributed to 71 community organisations in Auckland to support recovery, resilience, and rebuilding efforts.

“Cyclone Gabrielle had a devastating impact on parts of Auckland, causing widespread damage to property and requiring significant relief efforts,” said van Velden. “Now, two years on, 71 community organisations have received funding to rebuild thanks to the generosity of Kiwis who bought tickets to the special Lotto draw.”

Lotto-Driven Appeal Supports Communities in Crisis

The funding came from a special Lotto draw held on 18 March 2023, which raised $11.77 million. These proceeds were passed to the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust, a Crown-established independent entity tasked with distributing funds across regions that declared a state of emergency during the cyclone, including:

• Auckland

• Northland

• Waikato

• Bay of Plenty

• East Coast

• Hawke’s Bay

• Tararua

In total, the Trust allocated $14.5 million across these regions to help fund community recovery, infrastructure rebuilding, and resilience initiatives.

Auckland Projects Driving Resilience and Recovery

In Auckland, the funding has been used to help a wide range of organisations repair facilities, restore emergency services, and build long-term resilience against future weather events. Notable grants include:

• $20,000 to the Titirangi Volunteer Coastguard Incorporated To replace critical equipment damaged during the cyclone, ensuring the group remains ready for marine rescues in future emergencies.

• $21,921 to the Karekare Surf Life Saving Club For essential search and rescue gear, enabling the club’s volunteer lifeguards to safely operate during extreme weather and flooding.

• $30,000 to South Kaipara Good Food To purchase water tanks, generators, and irrigation systems, strengthening local food security and support during crises.

• $24,733 to the Bethells Beach Emergency Resilience Group For emergency support equipment and resources, reinforcing the community’s capacity to respond to natural disasters.

These projects are emblematic of the wide-ranging needs communities face post-disaster — from food resilience to first response preparedness — and the vital role community organisations play in recovery efforts.

A Collaborative Effort Beyond Lotto

Minister van Velden emphasised that while Lotto's contribution was significant, it complemented a much broader nationwide relief effort. The cyclone recovery was supported by a coalition of:

• Central government initiatives

• Charitable organisations

• Mayoral relief funds

• Corporate donors

• Local fundraising campaigns

“Raising funds for important community projects is at the heart of what Lotto does,” van Velden said. “I’m pleased that the funds raised from this special Lotto draw went towards relief for Aucklanders doing it tough in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.”

Building Resilience for the Future

The funding not only supports current recovery but also prepares Auckland communities for future challenges by investing in infrastructure, emergency readiness, and environmental sustainability.

Van Velden noted that “as climate events become more frequent and severe, we must support local resilience efforts. This funding gives communities the tools and confidence to weather future storms — quite literally.”

With the disbursement of all funds by October 2024, the Cyclone Gabrielle Appeal Trust has concluded its role, but its impact will be long-lasting, embedded in upgraded facilities, stronger community networks, and better-equipped emergency services.