The Northern Express Herald

Wellington flood relief: $100k support fund announced, how you can help

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little has announced a $100,000 relief fund to support people affected by Monday’s severe weather.

The Mayoral Relief Fund, launched in collaboration with Wellington City Mission, will also be open for public donations.

Speaking from the storm-damaged South Coast, Little said that as the impact on residents and level of property damage has become clear, “many residents need financial support”.

City Missioner Murray Edridge is calling for people to contribute to the kitty, saying Wellington “has a reputation for extraordinary generosity to support those in the community who are in trouble.”

Funds raised will be used by the Wellington City Mission to directly support those impacted.

Resident Mika Faletolu surveys the damage to his Ohiro Road property after torrential rain brought down rocks and debris from above. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Resident Mika Faletolu surveys the damage to his Ohiro Road property after torrential rain brought down rocks and debris from above. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A state of emergency remains in place for most of the region as officials continue to manage the impacts of Monday’s weather and monitor ongoing risks.

A record early morning deluge saw 77mm of rainfall in less than an hour, causing slips and flash flooding.

Properties across Wellington’s southern suburbs were flooded and damaged by slips, with residents recounting the horrors waking up to waist high water in their bedrooms.

One person died in the storm, Karori man Philip Sutton, after being washed away in flash flooding that destroyed his rural home.

Police on Wednesday confirmed a body, believed to be Sutton, has been found near the mouth of Karori stream on the South Coast, kilometres from his property.

The home of brothers Harry Polaco and Walmer Polania on Ohiro Road, Wellington, that was flooded during a severe rain event in the early hours of April 20, 2026. Photo / Marty Melville
The home of brothers Harry Polaco and Walmer Polania on Ohiro Road, Wellington, that was flooded during a severe rain event in the early hours of April 20, 2026. Photo / Marty Melville

The Mayoral Relief Fund is a partnership between Wellington City Council and the Wellington City Mission.

It offers one-off emergency relief to people in need of help in the form of food, shelter and clothing, following an emergency.

The last Wellington Mayoral Relief Fund was launched in the wake of the Loafers Lodge tragedy, when five people were killed in the boarding house fire. That fund raised $400,000 to support those displaced.

Those wanting to contribute to the flood relief fund can deposit money via the Wellington City Mission here.

You can also donate through online banking to account number 03-0547-0296036-17, account name “The Wellington City Mission Anglican Trust Board”, using the reference “Relief Fund”.

Ethan Manera is a Wellington-based journalist covering Wellington issues, local politics and business in the capital. He can be emailed at ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz.