Vulnerable Nepalese newcomers receive 195 grocery packs, and counting

Vice-President Tak Gurung delivers a food parcel. Photo / Supplied

Nepalese newcomers to have been thrown a lifeline as a the Nepalese Association Bay of Plenty delivers parcels to those most in need.

The Nepalese Association is a non-profit group representing the Nepali community in the region, focusing on promoting support between Nepalese descendants as well as the social and cultural heritage to the wider public.

The group have delivered 195 grocery packs throughout the alert levels to Nepali newcomers and students, which has especially important to those unable to receive a wage subsidy, or those struggling to secure accommodation.

The Rapid Response Fund provided $3000 which equated to 60 parcels.

The usual cultural programs, sports, and other awareness programs the group usually did have been put on hold as all their funds went to the increasing demand for grocery packs.

Devendra Khatri Chhetri was one of those helped by the association, moving from Nepal to New Zealand in February.

He had just started studying at Toi Ohomai when the lockdown was announced.

While he was fortunate to find other students to share a flat with, he had no job which put him struggling to pay for his accommodation and food.

The Nepalese Association supported Khatri Chhetri with food and helped find work picking kiwi fruit while he continues his education online.

Now able to support himself, he has volunteered to help support others delivering grocery packs.

Khatri Chhetri said he would not have survived on his own without the support of the association.

"These helping hands make such a significant difference in our community, their work is crucial."

General secretary Anish Paudel said while the lockdown affected all New Zealanders, those who had just arrived before lockdown have been struggling immensely.

She said many moved here to study as international students, or to contribute their trade to the community.

"The majority of people we have helped are involved in the horticulture and hospitality industries, and particularly for those in hospitality who have lost work, it has been difficult. Some are still hunting for a job and decent accommodation."

Vice-President Tak Gurung had also voluntarily delivered parcels to those in Rotorua and Te Puke.

"No one should go to sleep with an empty stomach, so we are pleased we have been able to help ensure that doesn't happen," Paudel said.

President Pawan Poudel and the Vice President are in regular contact with affected students and have helped some find jobs in the horticulture sector.

Local funders TECT, Acorn Foundation, BayTrust and Tauranga City Council provided the group with $3,000 in funding through the Rapid Response Fund which was enough to produce 60 grocery packs for those in need in the Western Bay of Plenty.

TECT general manager Wayne Werder said newcomers to the region have faced numerous challenges since the lockdown.

"For those who had just moved here from overseas to start a life, to join our community and contribute to our region, the challenge of having no wage subsidy and no usual support systems like family nearby; it would be incredibly overwhelming.

The association has started a helpline and asked anyone in need to get in touch if they have any problems or concerns with Covid-19.