Under clauses 18.2 and 18.6 of the Special Needs Grants Programme, as published in the New Zealand Gazette, 28 January 1999, No. 8, page 202, and established and approved on 18 December 1998 under section 124(1)(d) of the Social Security Act 1964 (“programme”), I give my approval for Part 6 of the programme to apply as follows:

Rural Assistance – Farmers

1. Farmers in the affected areas whose primary industries are directly affected by flooding or slips or have suffered other damage arising from the cyclones known as Cyclone Debbie and Cyclone Cook are eligible to be considered for financial assistance under Part 6 of the programme.
2. In relation to such farmers, Part 6 of the programme applies for the 12-month period beginning on the day after the Minister signs this approval, unless further extended by the Minister.
3. In this approval, affected areas means the territories of the following local authorities:
1. Western Bay of Plenty District Council;
2. Kawerau District Council;
3. Whakatane District Council; and
4. Opotiki District Council.

Dated at Wellington this 26th day of April 2017.

Hon ANNE TOLLEY, Minister for Social Development.