New Zealand finance minister: Govt accounts in solid shape to respond to impact of cyclone (updated)

RTO

15/02/2023 21:36

(Adds further comments from Grant Robertson and background)
       WELLINGTON, Feb 16 (Reuters) - New Zealand Finance
Minister Grant Robertson said on Thursday the government's books
were in good shape to meet the challenge ahead and support New
Zealanders facing cost of living increases and extreme weather
events such as Cyclone Gabrielle.
    "The extreme weather that New Zealand has experienced
recently is putting families and businesses under even more
pressure, with some losing their homes and livelihoods. We are
committed to continuing to support them through these difficult
times," Robertson said.
    He added that Treasury was currently assessing the economic
and fiscal impact.
        Gabrielle, which reached New Zealand on Sunday before
making its way down the east coast of the North Island, left at
least five people dead, cut off entire towns, washed away farms,
bridges and livestock, and inundated homes, stranding people on
rooftops.
  
 (Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Chris Reese and Franklin
Paul)
 ((Lucy.Craymer@thomsonreuters.com;))