7726 (2026). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

7726 (2026). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How many applications for Rural Assistance Payments have been received by the Ministry of Social Development since the recent medium scale adverse event declarations in Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, and Canterbury?

Hon Louise Upston: The Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) has advised me that the Rural Assistance Payments are not active in response to the Medium-Scale Adverse Event Classification in Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, and Canterbury. I am further advised that, following a Medium-Scale Adverse Event Classification by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), activation can be considered once the impact and need are understood, as provided by MPI and Rural Support Trusts. To date, there has been no indication that Rural Assistance Payments are required.