Latest news with #EnhancedTaskForceGreen

RNZ News
21-07-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Cleaning up flood damage in Tasman and Marlborough
An example of some of the widespread damage to roads and infrastructure in the Nelson Tasman areas. Photo: Supplied/ Nick Smith More help to deal with the damage caused by flooding in Tasman and Marlborough is about to arrive in the form of the so-called "Enhanced Task Force Green." The government has activated funds which means those on benefits in the area can volunteer to assist and become part of the group working to reverse some of the damage. The Ministry for Social Development's Regional Commissioner for the area, Craig Churchill, says Enhanced Taskforce Green is entirely voluntary, but it will help those hit by flood damage and build skills for those taking part.

RNZ News
09-07-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Government wants unemployed people to help with flood clean-up
The work could include clearing debris and fencelines, as well as repairing buildings and waterways. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii The government plans to bring in jobseekers to help with the response to the recent flooding in Tasman and Marlborough. Social Development Minister Louise Upston has announced the activation of an Enhanced Task Force Green. This allows the use of funding for training, supplying, transporting and paying people on the Jobseeker benefit to help with the cleanup. Upston said the work could include clearing debris and fencelines, as well as repairing buildings and waterways. She said the programme would put jobseekers where they will be of most help to farmers and growers cleaning up their properties. "Across the affected areas, damage assessments are being carried out. The Ministry of Social Development will work with agencies to make sure Enhanced Task Force Green assistance is provided as soon as possible to farmers and growers in need of this support," she said. The taskforce has been an option for governments for many years, and also provides some funding for local councils, to assist with administration costs. Upston said it would also provide "support to enable public assets such as community halls and gardens, playgrounds and public spaces to be returned to the same condition they were prior to the event". "We know these are resilient communities which are pulling together to help each other. ETFG is designed to support those efforts and to lend a hand." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.