A helpline service has been established for Waikato people struggling to get food, groceries, medication or other household goods and services.
The freephone service established by the Waikato Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group is available from 7am - 7pm daily, but does not replace other government helplines already in operation.
The number is 0800 800 405.
"We've moved quickly to set up this helpline, which started operating today. We don't know how big the need is right now, and the reality is that it's likely to change while we're under alert level four," says Waikato Region Civil Defence Group Controller, Julian Snowball.
"People who don't need help right now may require assistance in a couple of weeks, and that's where this freephone number will become more important when it comes to ensuring everyone has access to the basic necessities."