The Mayor's Welfare Fund was established in 1897 as the Mayor's Coal and Blanket Fund. The fund provides assistance to families and individuals in our community in extreme financial difficulty.

Applications closed

The fund will reopen for new applications on Monday 12 January 2026.

You can apply to the Mayor's Welfare Fund yourself, or a support agency, school or a Member of Parliament's office can apply on your behalf.

All applications must be completed online.  If you think you may struggle to do this you can seek support from a support agency [PDF, 189 KB] who can submit an application on your behalf.

Purpose

The fund is a last resort when people have exhausted other appropriate sources, such as Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ).  Mayor's Welfare can assist individuals in hardship on a one-off basis. 

The fund works with support agencies in the city.

Criteria

  • The Mayor's Welfare Fund is only available for Christchurch City residents.
  • The fund has a limited number of funding categories with which it can assist applicants. 
  • Schools may apply on behalf of a student who may miss out on activities or learning opportunities due to family financial stress.  

Things you need to know

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number.  If further information is required someone will get back to you with a request in writing. 

Please ensure your contact details are correct because once all the documentation has been received, you will be contacted to discuss your application further.

You will be asked to provide:

  • An explanation of why you are in need.  This helps us to understand your position and will help us process your application.
  • A form of photo identification, such as your Driver's Licence or Community Services Card.
  • Prior to applying you need to have asked for assistance from WINZ or Study Link and been declined.   Once you are declined you need to request a letter confirming that WINZ cannot help you.  This will need to be uploaded with your application.
  • Current bank statement/s of at least four weeks as proof of financial hardship.  Bank statements must include the name/logo of the bank, your name, and the account number.  If you have multiple accounts please include statements for all the accounts.
  • If in employment, a copy of your last two payslips.
  • Evidence of your need, such as an invoice, electricity bill, letter from landlord etc.

For any further queries, contact us at 03 941 8999 or email the Mayor's Welfare Fund team on mwf@ccc.govt.nz

Donations

If you have an inquiry with regards to donating to this charitable trust, please email all details to mwf@ccc.govt.nz and the team will contact you.