The owner of several Indian restaurants in Auckland will be offering free meals to those impacted by the devastating floods.
Anyone affected by the flooding can pick up a free feed at one of the three restaurants between 5pm and 9pm on Wednesday, February 1 and Thursday, February 2, owner Ganesh Chowdary Pulapa has confirmed.
The meal will include either butter chicken or a vegetarian curry, rice, masala fries and a soft drink.
People can collect their free meal from any of Pulapa's three restaurants: Plan B Lounge in Parnell, Baahubali Restaurant in Mt Albert and Hyderabad Food Garage in Auckland CBD.
The initiative has been well received by locals and the respective communities, many of whom have praised the act of kindness on social media.
"Good stuff by a local restaurant - Plan B - will need to dine there as a way of thanks," one tweeted.
"Heartwarming generosity," said another.
A survey conducted by the Restaurant Association has found 85 percent of hospitality businesses have been impacted by the current weather conditions. Of the respondents, 75 percent of businesses - particularly in Auckland, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty - reported a significant downturn in trade over the long weekend. Almost half have experienced damage to their premises and 55 percent have been forced to shut up shop amid the wild weather.
Where to pick up a free takeaway meal on Wednesday and Thursday, 5pm-9pm:
Baahubali Indian Restaurant, 1087 New North Road, Mt Albert
Plan B Lounge, 115 Parnell Road, Parnell
Hyderabad Food Garage, 71 Wakefield Street, Auckland CBD.
