A regional 0800 welfare number has helped connect the Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (HBCDEM) with 590 residents.
As of Saturday, April 11, 590 residents throughout the region had been contacted by the welfare line team.
Macdonald said the HBCDEM team, including local councils, has talked to a range of people from those aged over 70 restricted to staying in their homes to sole parents who were finding supermarket shopping difficult.
The team of 10 needs assessors has also responded to more than 200 requests for food support.
They have also connected people with agencies and organisations who can help with support ranging from emergency accommodation (including for pets) to financial assistance and clothing.