Mayoral Flood Relief Fund launched to support Wellingtonians affected
In collaboration with the Wellington City Council, a $100,000 Mayoral Relief Fund has been launched to support people affected by Monday’s severe weather.
Wellington’s southern suburbs experienced severe weather in the early hours of Monday 20 April 2026, resulting in significant damage to homes and property, and displacement for many families.
Since the start of the week, the Wellington City Mission’s Whakamaru facility in Mount Cook has been providing emergency relief for people who have lost possessions or been evacuated from their homes.
Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge welcomed the news of the establishment of the Mayoral Relief Fund.
“Wellington has a reputation for extraordinary generosity to support those in the community who are in trouble. Our hearts have gone out to those impacted by this week’s floods and I am sure we will stand behind them in this recovery phase.
“The Wellington City Mission will also be accepting donations of good quality furniture, household goods and large appliances, that will be provided to those that need them. Unfortunately, the Mission cannot pick them up, so they will have to be dropped to Whakamaru at 4 Oxford Terrace, Mount Cook, Wellington,” said Reverend Edridge.
The team at Whakamaru has also provided temporary accommodation, hot showers, hot food and drinks for those who are sleeping rough in the community and needed respite from the weather.
The City Mission has been working alongside Wellington City Council staff on site, who have coordinated emergency responses, supplies, and support services. Central Government agencies, including MSD, Kāinga Ora, and MHUD, are also involved in providing ongoing assistance.
Wellington City Mayor Andrew Little is calling on Wellingtonians to add to the fund if they are able to.
“As the extent of the effects on residents and damage to property have become clearer, it is clear that many residents need financial support to help them.
“Our fellow Wellingtonians – our neighbours – need our support. Every little bit helps families in need. I’m encouraging everybody, who is able to, to give support through the Mayoral Relief Fund which has been setup in partnership between council and the Wellington City Mission.
“We’ve launched the Mayoral Relief Fund in partnership with Wellington City Mission to get support out to the people who need it most, and quickly.
“Make a donation to the Wellington City Mission by internet banking or credit card today,” the Mayor said.
Donations to the fund can be made via:
- The Wellington City Mission website at wellingtoncitymission.org.nz/floodrelief
- Internet banking to the Wellington city Mission: bank account number 03-0547-0296036-17, bank account name “The Wellington City Mission Anglican Trust Board”, reference “Relief Fund”
The fund will operate similarly to the Loafers Lodge fund set up in May 2023 to help survivors of that event.
Funds raised will be used by the Wellington City Mission to directly support those impacted by this week’s flooding. The Mission will provide regular updates on funds received and the expenditure from it.