2026 July – Severe weather event affecting the Kaikoura, Waitaki, South Wairarapa and Wairoa districts, and the Marlborough region

From 6 to 9 July 2026 local states of emergency were declared for the Kaikoura, Waitaki and Wairoa districts. The Marlborough region and the South Wairarapa district were also seriously affected by a storm system that passed over the country resulting in damage from heavy rainfall and high winds.

Contacting us

Our emergency helpline is 0800 473 566.

For other ways to contact us, see our contact page.

Natural disasters, adverse and emergency events - contact us

See our website for more information on how we can help.

Natural disasters, adverse or emergency events

Help for you or your family

We may be able to help with your personal tax, KiwiSaver, or student loan payments. For child support or Working for Families payments, you’ll need to let us know if your situation has changed.

Help for you or your family in an adverse or emergency event

Help for your business 

If you have a farm, a business or are self-employed, we can help you manage your business tax following an adverse or emergency event. 

Help with your business tax in an adverse or emergency event

Help for farmers and growers

You may be able to get help through the income equalisation scheme if your income is affected by this event.

We have made ‘class of case’ decisions to cover farmers and growers in the affected regions. Details are as follows.

Income equalisation scheme – early refunds

You can apply for the early refund of a deposit if you made your deposit before 6 July 2026.

Normally, income equalisation deposits are not available for refund until 12 months after they have been made.

Your application for an early refund must be in writing. It may take approximately 5 days to process.

The refund will be income in the year you make the application, unless you apply it to the previous income year.

Income equalisation scheme

Customers outside of the affected region 

For customers affected by this severe weather event in other regions or districts you can apply to us on a case-by-case basis for the same relief.