Tamaki Makaurau weather event update Feb 17

It’s a devastating time for so many communities across the country and we send all of our aroha and strength to all those impacted. While many of us may not be directly affected, everyone will know someone who is. 

The current situation is unprecedented for Tāmaki Makaurau and indeed Aotearoa and, even after the severe weather is long gone, the recovery will be lengthy and challenging. The Aktive team and our colleagues at CLM Community Sport, Harbour Sport, Sport Auckland and Sport Waitākere are keen to support however we can so please don’t hesitate to reach out for a korero. 

In this communication, you can find information on resilience, an update on the Tāmaki Makaurau Weather Event Emergency Relief Fund and a website link to the latest on wider funds and resources available at this time. The latter is well worth a look to ensure you’re accessing all you possibly can to get through this challenging time.  

Dr Alia Bojilova, Organisational Psychologist on resilience 

Those of you who were able to join our online Sector Forum last week would have heard from Organisational Psychologist Alia Bojilova who provided some incredibly valuable guidance around resilience. 

Alia has kindly penned a further document specifically for our sector, it is a hugely beneficial read and gives us all plenty to consider. Even if you haven’t personally been impacted by the floods or the cyclone, there are some great reminders for all of us as leaders and people.  

Tāmaki Makaurau Weather Event Emergency Relief Fund 

Aktive, Sport New Zealand and Foundation North have stood up a $150,000 fund - the Tāmaki Makaurau Weather Event Emergency Relief Fund.  

This Fund aims to provide one-off financial support to sport and recreation organisations that have been affected by the recent weather events in Tāmaki Makaurau. Organisations can apply for a maximum of $2,500 to assist with costs not covered by insurance.  

Applications can be made for retrospective expenses incurred related to addressing flood related impacts or anticipated to be incurred that can be directly attributed to the weather-related events in Tāmaki Makaurau during the period from 1700 Friday 27 January 2023 to 1700 Friday 24 February 2023.    

Applications for the Emergency Relief Fund are open now and close 1500 Friday 24 February 2023. To be eligible, organisations must be charitable in nature. Applications can be made for retrospective expenses incurred related to addressing flood related impacts.  

For further details, including eligibility, FAQs, and how to make an application, click here.  In addition, this flood recovery guidance has been provided from Community Asset Solutions.

A bespoke approach has also been set up to support sport and recreation organisations that have sustained severe impact (excluding Council and education owned facilities). This involves Aktive working with organisations to understand the need, over and above what insurance provisions will cover, which will help to inform conversations that are underway with funders. Organisations that believe they fall into the category requiring support via this bespoke approach should email floodingsupport@aktive.org.nz so these conversations can formally commence, noting a number of these are already underway. 

Thank you again to Sport New Zealand and Foundation North for their support and commitment to the sport and recreation sector in Auckland, particularly at this time. Aktive is really proud and appreciative to be partnering with them to bring this fund to life.   

We encourage you to get in touch with our team if you need any assistance applying: 
  

The Centre for Social Impact: flood relief funding and resources 

The Centre for Social Impact is detailing flood relief and resources supported by Foundation North to help Auckland communities access the funding they may need to respond to the impact of the recent extreme weather events.  

This is a live document that can be accessed here. It includes information on available funds, NZ Government support, and information and resources from Auckland Emergency Management, Mental Health Foundation, Pacific Regional Coordination Hub and other community organisations. 

It is well worth a look to ensure you’re accessing all that you’re eligible to.  

Services and support 

Employee Assistance Services are available to the sector via Vitae, extended to us via Sport NZ. We strongly encourage leaders to make their teams know that it is available if you don’t already have your own equivalent type of service in place.
 
Vitae can be contacted on 0508 664 981 or via https://www.vitae.co.nz/ - please reference Sport NZ. Vitae offer a free and completely confidential service for people who feel they require some independent and expert support.

In addition, MyHR has put together these FAQs to quickly troubleshoot the questions they’re receiving most from their clients. 

It has been an incredibly challenging few weeks, so I hope that you get a chance to enjoy some downtime over the upcoming weekend, doing whatever it is that fills your cup. As always, we’re here and available to support so don’t hesitate to get in touch. Kia kaha.