The $9 million of unspent cyclone relief funding originally destined for Hawke's Bay should be redirected to the Coromandel, National’s MP for Coromandel Scott Simpson says.

“Many Coromandel businesses are still doing it tough as the result of cyclones, and the ongoing closure of State Highway 25A only makes their situation worse.

“Instead of returning the nearly $9 million of unspent cyclone relief funding to Wellington, it should be reallocated to the Coromandel where it could be the difference between survival or bust for local businesses.

“Coromandel applications for cyclone support funding was massively oversubscribed and many businesses had their application declined. More often than not, businesses that were lucky enough to be granted funding received less than they had sought.

“The Coromandel region continues to be impacted by weather events. This week’s flooding at Waihi Beach further highlights the challenges we face as we head into winter.

“It is outrageous that money earmarked to support our devastated regions could be sent back to the capital when there is still such a desperate need for support in our communities.”