Govt tops up funding for Kaikōura recovery

2:15 pm on 21 April 2017

The government will provide an extra $700,000 for restoring Kaikōura Harbour, and another $250,000 to extend the period of free GP visits in the region.

Kaikoura harbour

Initial dredging of Kaikōura harbour after the earthquake has been completed. Photo: Supplied

It committed $5 million to the harbour after it was damaged and parts of the seabed were lifted by up to 2m in the Kaikōura earthquake in November last year.

Two major tourism operators, Whale Watch and Encounter Kaikōura, also agreed to pitch in to cover any costs above the $5.7 million total.

Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee said the harbour would be better than before the quake.

Work is under way and the government said the harbour should be up and running by October.

Another $250,000 would also be provided to extend the number of free doctor's visits for people affected by the earthquake.

The government initially put aside $50,000 for the service, which had been set to run until May, for people in Kaikōura, Hurunui and Marlborough.

More than 7400 free GP visits have already been granted, and Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said it had been of great value.

His office said the extra funding would continue to be used until it ran out.

He also announced another $250,000 to boost mental health and provide targeted support for Marlborough schools, bringing the total health package for the region to $4.3m.

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