WELLINGTON – The New Zealand government has announced an additional $300,000 in funding to extend the Enhanced Taskforce Green program in the Tasman district. The initiative, which employs local job seekers to assist with flood clean-up, will now continue until December 2025, providing vital support for a community still reeling from severe weather events in June and July.
Dual-Purpose Program Aids Recovery and Employment
The Tasman district experienced extensive damage to farms, orchards, and other rural properties from slips, silt, and debris. In response, the government initially allocated $500,000 for the program in July. The new funding brings the total investment to $800,000 and will allow crews to return to properties needing further assistance.
The program has a dual benefit: it helps landowners restore their land and provides valuable employment and training opportunities for local residents. Since its launch, 60 properties have been registered with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) for assistance, each eligible for up to three days of crew support.
According to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, extending the program will also help job seekers with the cost of living and provide them with work experience that can lead to seasonal horticulture work. Farmers and growers have praised the crews’ work as “essential to recovery.”
The government’s support for the Tasman district also includes other measures, such as infrastructure repairs and economic recovery packages.