Auckland businesses hit twice by devastating weather events aren't finding much comfort in the Government's business support package, with some saying they aren't far from folding
It was announced on Wednesday that $5 million will be funnelled into Auckland businesses worst affected by record-breaking flooding in the city.
Over the span of 16 months, there have been two record-breaking storms and hundreds of thousands of dollars have gone down the drain.
That's the reality for Khalid Buksh and his sheet metal business.
"It's not given any breathing time. This is a lot of tension and a lot of stress as well," Buksh said.
Buksh's business was trashed to the tune of $280,000 during a violent storm in 2021, now, déjà vu, the latest has left him with a ruined workshop and one working machine - his livelihood's now in jeopardy.
"If I am not able to provide things on time by this loss, I will be out of business. And out of business means I've got about eight families to look after as well as mine."
Some help is coming, but it won't go far, $3 million for significantly affected businesses, another million for mental health help, $1 million for business advice and IRD won't sting flood victims with late fees.
"We're also working with banks around CCCFA to allow easier access to short-term funds for households," said Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
In the meantime, Buksh is doing everything he can to keep the business afloat and his staff onboard, knocking off at 1am, sometimes 2am, and then back up at dawn.
"If I'm not able to find a solution on this one, if I'm not able to have any compensation, it will be really hard for me to carry on with this business," Buksh told Newshub.
Next door, Keith Blind's fire protection business has seen two record-breaking floods in the few years it's been at this premises.
Blind said he's been forced to rip the walls out and replace them twice, and these days his stock is on stilts.
"You've just got to deal with it and move on with it, insurance is here [but] it'll come to the point where the building becomes uninsurable," Blind said.
He's not banking on much Government help - it's a drop in the bucket when you're constantly weathering storms.
"It is more of a reality for everybody, it's just climate change at its worst and that's where we are," Blind added.
A daunting prospect as businesses count the costs, yet again.
