Dr Malini Yugendran
1 February 2023
In times of emergency, it is important to know where to seek help and how to access it. Having a clear understanding of the resources available can ensure that you and those around you receive the necessary support and assistance.
Ms Pavithra Kanagasabapathy, a homemaker who resides in Mount Roskill told Indian Newslink, “When my lawn started flooding, I got scared and started calling emergency services. No one answered the first two times. The water had risen up to the second stairs of my premises. Emergency services answered after my third attempt and told us to stay in the house as long as the water was not getting into the house.”
More than 2200 calls were made to Fire and Emergency Services on Friday night (27 January 2023).
Reparation
Now that the storm has passed, reparation works- the big clean-up’ starts. It is crucial at this point to know how to access services, financial help, and resources for mental health as part of the recovery from the disaster.
This article explains the many kinds of assistance and resources available.
Resources for the latest information
Follow Auckland Emergency Management on Facebook for regular updates: or visit their website: Auckland Emergency Management
Follow Civil Defence Northland’s Facebook page for updates about the Northland region
Follow Ministry for Ethnic Communities Facebook page for regular updates.
For travel advice visit the Waka Kotahi website.
For weather updates, visit the MetService website
Watercare and power
Watercare is the main priority now and if you do not have water supply to your premises you may contact Watercare. Information can be found on their website. If you still do not have power or your power is off, visit Vector’s website for outage and restoration times.
Property owners are advised to contact a certified electrician if a fuse box had water in it, showed indications of arcing, or was overheating,
Emergency Accommodation
Auckland Emergency Management has opened three Civil Defence Centres for those in need of a place to stay. The current locations are:
Saint Leonard’s Road School, 15 St. Leonard’s Road, Kelston
Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Waters Theatre, Gate 1/Main Entrance (off Albany Expressway), Albany
Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park
It is advised that where possible to please bring along essential items including medication, warm clothing, and baby items.
Report flooding
To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please log your issue online.
Language support
The multilingual resources on the Get Ready website will be able to provide language assistance for those who need to speak with a government agency in their vernacular. The professional interpretation service will be provided free of cost.
Financial Assistance
For financial support in the aftermath of the flooding, the Civil Defence Payments can assist with costs such as medical expenses, food, bedding, power bills, accommodation, and loss of income if work is unable to be performed. Both residents and non-residents are eligible, and those who are not receiving benefits can still get assistance.
Visit the Work and Income website’s “Urgent or Unexpected Expenditures” page for additional details on this support, or contact Work and Income at 0800 400 100 from 8 am to 5 pm for help with emergency costs.
Mental Wellbeing
In this stressful time, anxiety is common, and it’s essential to take care of your mental health. If you or someone you know needs support, there are several resources available:
Call Healthline at 0800 611 116
Free-call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor, or
In an emergency, dial 111.
Homeowners’ Advocacy
The Residential Advisory Service (RAS) within MBIE provides advocacy services and advice to homeowners who are navigating insurance claims related to damages caused by flooding. For more information, you can reach out to info@advisory.org.nz or call 0800 777 299, 03 379 7027.
Tenancy Information
For tenants and landlords of rental properties, information on your rights and obligations during this time can be found on the website. Alternatively, you can call 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).
Education
For updates on school and early learning services, please reach out to your school directly.
Disabled People
Disabled individuals who have been affected by the flooding can check for updates on the Facebook page: Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People
Foreign Nationals
Foreign Nationals who need assistance should contact their Embassy or High Commission. You can find a list of Embassies in New Zealand on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website.
Dr Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
