Wellington could face hundreds of millions of dollars in storm damage, Mayor Andrew Little said, as officials launched a relief fund for affected residents.

The scale of damage across the capital highlights the extensive recovery work ahead for communities grappling with flooding, wind damage, and disrupted infrastructure.

Little said the fund aims to direct resources to those most in need. "A fund has been launched to get support out to the people who need it most," he said.

Damage estimates are still being compiled. The mayor's estimate of hundreds of millions of dollars [1] represents early calculations, and the full financial impact may not be known for some time.

Wellington's infrastructure sustained significant damage during the storm, with reports of widespread flooding and property destruction across residential areas.

The relief fund launch comes as crews continue cleanup operations. Officials have urged residents to exercise caution and follow emergency guidance as conditions improve.

City officials say recovery efforts will be prolonged. The mayor has called for patience as assessments continue and resources are mobilized.

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**What this means:** The launch of a dedicated relief fund signals the severity of the storm's impact on Wellington and its residents. While exact damage figures remain preliminary, the mayor's estimate of hundreds of millions of dollars reflects substantial property and infrastructure losses. The fund represents an early step in what officials acknowledge will be a lengthy recovery process. Residents seeking assistance and those looking to contribute to relief efforts can find information through Wellington's emergency management channels.

“A fund has been launched to get support out to the people who need it most”

The launch of a dedicated relief fund signals the severity of the storm's impact on Wellington and its residents. While exact damage figures remain preliminary, the mayor's estimate of hundreds of millions of dollars reflects substantial property and infrastructure losses. The fund represents an early step in what officials acknowledge will be a lengthy recovery process. Residents seeking assistance and those looking to contribute to relief efforts can find information through Wellington's emergency management channels.