Cabinet Decision CAB-19-SUB-0027 Additional Item: Tasman Fires: Update (February 2019)

The following Cabinet minute has been proactively released by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, on behalf of Hon Peeni Henare, Minister of Civil Defence.

Extract from Cabinet Decision CAB-19-SUB-0027 Additional Item: Tasman Fires: Update (February 2019)

On 11 February 2019, Cabinet:

1. noted the briefing from the Minister of Civil Defence on the situation in regard to the fires in the Nelson Tasman region that have led to a civil defence emergency being declared and the evacuation of a large number of properties and people;
2. noted that the main impacts include: fire damage to forestry, agricultural land and infrastructure; evacuations; stock damage and losses; and psychosocial impacts on those affected;
3. noted that the government has provided an initial commitment of $20,000 to the Mayoral Relief Fund established by the Tasman District Council and that the Minister of Civil Defence is considering a further contribution;
4. noted that as of the morning of 11 February 2019 the fire appears to be contained, although the situation remains dynamic.