Following the tornado which hit Levin at approximately 7.45am on Tuesday 8 April 2025, bringing down trees, damaging utility lines, and lifting roofs and fences in parts of the town, the focus now shifts to clean-up efforts and the ongoing needs of those affected.
Waikawa Beach was also impacted by the weather event, and Council contractors have been on the ground responding to damage in the area.
While no injuries have been reported, Council contractors are continuing to clear debris, unblock drains, and support affected households.
Mayor Bernie Wanden says, “Our thoughts are with those affected by today’s event. Please know that we’re here for you and doing everything we can to support our community through the response and recovery.”
Mayoral Relief Fund - Financial Assistance
If you were impacted by this severe weather event, you may qualify for financial assistance from the Mayoral Relief Fund. The application form is now available online or in person at Council’s Civic Building to complete and our Community Development Team are on hand to help, call us on 06 366 0999 or come in to see one of the team.
The Mayoral Relief Fund is intended to provide short-term financial assistance to individuals, families, groups and organisations impacted by the Levin Tornado Event on 8 April 2025. It's hoped that the grant will go some way towards helping alleviate the emotional and financial stress experienced by some individuals and whānau due to the tornado event.
Assistance may be given to fund:
- Damaged property
- Essentials for daily life
- Costs not covered by insurance
- Where there is financial burden due to the tornado event
Criteria and relevant information
- Applications must be connected with the 8 April 2025 tornado and within the Horowhenua District
- Each application will be dealt with on its own merits
- Only one application per household or organisation
- Grants will be one-off only
- When funds are granted, they must be used for the purpose outlined in the application submitted
- Applicants will need to declare if they have received financial or other assistance, ie from Work and Income – financial assistance, food parcels, or funding from any other organisation in relation to this tornado event (funding source to be specified.)
- Council will meet its legislative obligations under the Privacy Act 2020 with regard to protecting your information provided in the application.
- Applications will now close a little earlier than planned, at 4pm on Thursday 24 April 2025.
- Initially, as people apply, we may grant up to $1,000. We will reassess how much funding is available and may allocate any remaining money to applicants. The Committee has the discretion to award higher amounts, where it is justified and proven.
Apply now
The Mayoral Relief Fund is now open for applications for emergency assistance for individuals, families, groups and community organisations.
Applications will now close a little earlier than planned, at 4pm on Thursday 24 April 2025.
Application process:
- Apply online or email your completed application form to enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz or drop it off to 126 Oxford Street, Levin or post it to us at Private Bag 4002, Levin 5540.
- Applicants will receive an acknowledgement email or phone call with a timeframe for the decision.
- The Mayor, along with a special committee, will consider all applications and make the final decisions.
- Applicants will be advised of the outcome through email or phone, and if successful payment will be made into the bank account the following week.
For more information please contact Council on 06 366 0999, we can help you with any questions you may have.