Whakatāne District Council is offering rent relief to its leaseholders and tenants who were affected by the most recent Covid-19 lockdown.
The Council has confirmed it will offer rent reductions of up to 50% to those leaseholders and tenants who were unable to access their premises during the lockdown, which lasted from 18 August to 7 September.
To access the relief, the leaseholders and tenants must apply to the Council through an application form and make a commitment to pass on the reduction to sub-tenants, where applicable.
Mayor Judy Turner said the rent relief package acknowledged the extent to which Covid-19 restrictions had affected the district’s business communities and their ability to operate.
"The most recent lockdown added to the pressure that many businesses were already feeling because of Covid-19," she said.
"As a responsible landlord, it's important that we support our leaseholders and tenants - many of whom provide employment and services to communities across our district."
Many of the Council's tenants operate businesses in economically important areas such as Whakatāne's Central Business District.
The 50% figure strikes a balance between Council helping its communities while being prudent with ratepayers' money.
The Council has put aside $58,200 from the Harbour Fund for the rent relief package, which builds on other support measures for the district's communities such as an extensive package announced in May last year.
A rent relief application form is available on the council's website, and a printed copy will also be posted to leaseholders.