Read more about the support avaiable for individuals, whānau and communities impacted by weather events in Tasman. 

Tips for Wellbeing 

  • Take note of signs of distress for yourself, your whānau, your friends and your neighbours – little changes matter.
  • Take time to check in – “How are you getting on?” “Are you okay?”
  • Minimise exposure – focus on what you can control, minimise further stressors, take time out each day to do something you enjoy.
  • Normalise “It’s okay to not be okay”.
  • Review, restore, refer – don’t be afraid to ask for help or to identify others who need support – utilise your normal support systems and access further support available as needed.
  • Educate – stress response and feeling overwhelmed or on-edge are normal reactions. Talking to neighbours, friends, family or a professional is important, alongside maintaining some normality and activities that make
    you happy.
  • Self-care – look after your own wellbeing through good sleep, healthy kai, keeping active and connecting with others.
  • Acknowledge event – this is a significant event which has had significant impacts on people and communities.
  • Supporting tamariki – keep communication up, reassure them about the future, maintain routines where possible, encourage them to play and spend time with friends.

Insurance

If you have suffered damage please contact your insurance company directly to lodge a claim.

Tenancy and Accommodation

Emergency accommodation

Find safe, secure and accessible emergency accommodation. Phone 03 543 8400.

If you are the tenant or landlord of a rental property, you can find information on your rights and obligations online at www.tenancy.govt.nz(external link) or phone 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).

Financial Support

Work and Income

In emergencies, Work and Income can help with costs if you don’t have any other way of paying. You don’t have to be on a benefit. They can help with medical costs, bedding, food, power bills, repairs or replacing appliances, emergency accommodation costs, benefits and housing assistance.

Everyone’s situation is different, so what you qualify for will depend on your situation. You may have to pay the money back depending on your situation. Call 0800 559 009. www.workandincome.govt.nz/urgent-costs.(external link)

Inland Revenue Department (IRD)

IRD can support with tax relief, income assistance, Kiwisaver holidays and working for families payments for people affected by extreme weather events.

Local Healthcare Services

Contact your GP in the first instance or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.

In an emergency, call 111.

Free-call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor 24/7.

Contact your midwife for support and advice during pregnancy and postnatal.

PlunketLine on 0800 933 922 to speak to a Plunket nurse. (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Te Tauihu Māori health provider Te Piki Oranga on 0800 ORANGA (0800 672 642).

Social connectedness: www.wellby.org.nz/talking-cafes(external link) and www.wellby.org.nz/found-directory(external link)

Support for rural communities

For initial help or updates on the farm, get in touch with Rural Support Trusts who have local people trained to off er assistance and support. Their help is free and confi dential. Phone 0800 RURAL HELP (0800 787 254) or visit www.rural-support.org.nz(external link)

Animal Welfare

See Ministry for Primary Industries factsheet ‘Animals aff ected by flood’ at www.mpi.govt.nz/animals-in-emergencies(external link)

Animal welfare concerns

Phone MPI on 0800 008 333 to log any animal welfare concerns. MPI will follow up on animal welfare calls.

For small domestic animals, call the SPCA on 03 547 7171.

Veterinary services

If your animals need veterinary treatment, contact your veterinary clinic.

Livestock

For assistance with livestock, lifestyle blocks or feed phone Federated Farmers on 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646).

Download

Download this information - Wellbeing Support Flyer For Weather Affected Residents (pdf 205 KB)