Thames-Coromandel District Council has now made allocations from its Mayoral Fund to support locals affected by the January bush fire on Comers Road in the Whitianga.

The total amount of allocations made to date is $11,500. Applications for the remaining $5500 of the fund closing on April 21, with the money to be allocated by the end of the following week.

Former Hauraki District Council Mayor Basil Morrison JP was appointed as the independent assessor for the funds distribution.

'Living outside of the district gives Mr Morrison independent perspective when assessing the applications on their own merits," says Thames-Coromandel Mayor Sandra Goudie.

Funds allocated so far include:

• Various costs to a Comers Road resident as a result of the loss of a home - $5000
• Wilderlands Trust - A donation was specifically made for the Wilderlands Trust to fund specified items. TCDC have opted for the restoration of water supplies - $1500 payable on receipt of invoices
• Three properties linking onto Comers Road need road repairs due to heavy traffic usage during the fire - $1500
• Two properties for fencing, tree removal and incidentals - $1500
• Loss of income for a sole contractor - $2000

The fund was supported by local businesses like Whitianga New Word and Ray White Real Estate who donated large amounts to the fund, along with contributions from individuals, some in the thousands.

The inaugural St Patricks' Ceili held at the St James Church in Thames also raised $450 towards the fund.

Any further applications to the fund close at 5pm on Friday, April 21.

Applications and criteria can be found on the Thames-Coromandel District Council website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/mayoral-fund