Foodbank braced for demand

A Masterton foodbank is bracing for fallout following the introduction of tough new welfare reforms.

From this week, thousands of people are expected to be cut from welfare benefits as sweeping changes to the social security system take effect.

Masterton Food Bank coordinator Maureen Potts said the families of beneficiaries would suffer most.

Since the first round of changes was introduced last year, Mrs Potts said more people were turning to the foodbank.

"Throughout this year we've notice quite a major increase," she said. The number of food packages issued had jumped from about 155 to 165 per month.

There was a lot of need in the Wairarapa region, especially among big families. This was expected to ramp up with the latest overhaul.

"We will see fallout from it, I'm sure."