Storm Recovery Fund Now Open For Preparedness Grants

Community groups across Southland can now apply for grants to fund emergency preparedness projects, as the Southland Mayoral Relief Fund shifts from post-storm recovery to longer-term resilience.

Applications opened today, Monday October 12, and close Friday November 6. Grants will typically range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the scope, scale and community benefit of each project.

The funding comes from money remaining in the Southland Mayoral Relief Fund following the October 2025 severe weather event. The fund has now closed to individual and business hardship applications, marking the transition from immediate relief to community strengthening.

Southland District Mayor Rob Scott, chair of the Mayoral Relief Forum, said the anniversary provided an opportunity for communities to reflect on what they had learned and invest in future preparedness.

"The severe weather event affected communities right across Southland and showed just how important it is to be prepared," Mayor Scott said. "As we approach the first anniversary, it's a timely reminder that emergencies can happen at any time. This funding gives communities the chance to turn lessons learned into practical projects that will help people prepare for, respond to and recover from future events."

"Local communities know where their strengths and vulnerabilities are. We want to support practical, achievable projects that will help people look after one another when an emergency happens."

Applications are open to community groups, iwi organisations and not-for-profit organisations operating within the Invercargill City, Southland District or Gore District council areas. Projects must provide a clear community benefit and contribute to preparedness, response or recovery needs arising from the October 2025 severe weather event. Applicants also need to show that their proposal is a defined, one-off project and represents value for money.

Mayor Scott said the fund was focused on initiatives with a shared and lasting community benefit.

"This funding is for defined, one-off projects that help communities support one another during and after an emergency," he said. "We are looking for good ideas that are realistic, offer value for money and can make a practical difference when communities face disruption."

The fund will not support retrospective projects, ongoing operating costs, activities resulting in private gain, or projects already fully funded from another source. It is not available for private business-continuity costs or routine organisational expenses.

Applications will be assessed against criteria including resilience outcomes, community benefit, feasibility, inclusiveness, accessibility and value for money. Emergency Management Southland will provide advice during the assessment process. Final funding decisions will be made by the Southland, Gore and Invercargill mayors. Successful recipients will need to provide a final report on the project's outcomes and how the funding was spent.

Projects that could be funded include:

community first aid training
psychosocial support programmes
food security initiatives
community communication systems
generator connections for community hubs
water storage for community hubs
other community resources or infrastructure that improve emergency preparedness and response capability

Information on how to apply is on the Southland District Council website. For enquiries, contact Southland District Council on 0800 732 732 or email [email protected].