There is an increasing concern in Waitomo, Ōtorohanga and Waipā communities around residents accepting essential goods from people, which may be a health risk. Photo / File
There is an increasing concern in Waitomo, Ōtorohanga and Waipā communities around residents accepting essential goods from people, which may be a health risk. Photo / File
Waitomo, Waipā and Ōtorohanga residents can freephone 0800 800 405 if they are struggling to access food, groceries, medication or other household goods and services.
The freephone service, established by the Waikato Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group, is available between 7am and 7pm daily, but does not replace other government helplines already in operation.
"We've moved quickly to set up this helpline, which started operating yesterday . 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 4," said 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."
Call centre staff will collect information which will enable the local welfare team operating at the Western Waikato Emergency Operating Centre to prioritise the needs of individuals and whānau during the self-isolation period, and then coordinate the necessary support.
These measures will particularly assist the disabled, at risk groups, and people without access to their own transport.
These services are intended for those facing hardship and are offered in addition to a range of other support measures provided by other agencies, particularly the Ministry of Social Development.
"There is already some extraordinary work being done by community support services, and we recognise that not everybody who requires help might be getting it," Mr Snowball said.
"This will help to plug a gap to deliver support to those who need it most," Mr Snowball said.
Western Waikato volunteers asked to register first
Locals wanting to lend a helping hand are asked to register with an official volunteering body first.
Western Waikato Emergency Operating Centre (WWEOC) controller David Simes says there is an increasing concern in Waitomo, Otorohanga and Waipā communities around residents accepting essential goods from people, which may be a health risk.
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"We have a very caring and supportive community, and there are so many people out there who want to do whatever they can to help," says Mr Simes.
"The health and safety of our communities is paramount and we cannot be sure parcels of food or essential goods meet health and safety requirements unless they come through sanctioned sources," says Mr Simes.
He says the WWEOC's welfare team is working with the support networks locally to identify vulnerable groups, assess their needs, and provide the help needed.
"It's fantastic we have so many Kiwis wanting to do anything they can, particularly to support those most vulnerable in our community, but I cannot stress enough that we need to work together to make sure that support is provided in the safest possible way."
Those wishing to help their community are asked to register through Volunteering Waikato at www.volunteeringwaikato.org.nz.
Anyone needing volunteers for essential services should email gecc.operations@waikatoregion.govt.nz and provide information including what tasks are being undertaken, the skillset required, timeframes, shifts and location.
Those in urgent need of food should contact their local Food Bank.
