Te Whanake - Our Blog
Ohu Maatu - Together we grow stronger
While the rules are slightly more relaxed at alert level 3, we still have at least two weeks to go before we can socialise and see our wider whānau again and it is a timely reminder that we all still need each other, and for some they need it more than ever. Whether it be a daily phone call, a ringaringa (wave) across the street, some extra groceries delivered to our doorstep, or a firewood delivery for the coming winter. There are many of our whānau experiencing the impacts of Covid-19 differently to each of us reading this.
It is for that reason many of the iwi and organisations in the Te Tau Ihu rohe are offering support to those acutely affected to try and minimise the impact as much as possible and support each other. To make it that little bit easier, we’ve compiled the support offerings that we’re either part of or we’ve been made aware of, so you can use these yourself, or share these with your whānau who need them.
Kaupapa Atawhai
A scheme to provide one-off, quick response financial assistance to our most vulnerable whānau who have been impacted by COVID-19 and the government restrictions. This includes kaumatua, people who are unwell, and people who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
This is a joint initiative alongside Ngāti Koata Trust, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama ki Te Waipounamu Trust, Wakatū Incorporation, as well as us Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust (NRAIT).
Click here for more information and to apply
Covid-19 Recovery Grant – NRAIT owners only
A specific grant being offered to Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust owners is the Covid-19 Recovery Grant of $100 per registered owner. This is open to all NRAIT owners. Applications close on 30 April.
Learn more about how to apply here
Urgent welfare assistance
For those living in Nelson and Tasman there is a COVID-19 helpline for those who need urgent welfare assistance such as food and clothing. This service is there for people who have no other options available to them.
Call 0800 50 50 75 and press 1 for Nelson and 2 for Tasman - the teams can work out what help is right for the situation.
A free phone line for questions about medicines
Ngā Kaitiaki o Te Puna Rongoā o Aotearoa – the Māori Pharmacists Association (MPA) recently launched a free phone line to answer questions that kaumātua or whānau may have about their medicines.
People can ring from anywhere across Aotearoa and their call will be returned within 24 hours by a Māori pharmacist.
The number to call is 0800 664 688
You can find out more about their free phone line here
Free & confidential trained counsellor
It’s important to look after our wellbeing and the wellbeing of our whānau and community as we get through this – together. Things are really tough right now for some people who live with mental illness, and also for people experiencing stress and anxiety for the first time. It’s really important you look after your mental wellbeing, so do call or text the 1737 at any time to speak with a trained counsellor. It is free and confidential.
If you’re looking for some idea about how to get through check out these top tips for getting through.
Covid-19 advice for Māori – National Māori Pandemic Group
As tangata whenua, it’s important that Māori have access to tailored and relevant information, resources and practical guidance and advice on how to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here you will find information and resources specifically for Māori about the COVID-19 pandemic. This information has been developed by leading Māori medical experts for whānau Māori.
Click here for more information
Other useful links
For local updates on the alert levels visit the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Facebook Page here.
For accurate case numbers and the latest advice on symptoms, prevention and how Covid-19 spreads visit the Ministry of Health website here.
All information about the wage subsidy, changes to payments, and new support options from Work & Income can be found here.
Click here for all Government information on Covid-19
If you have any others you think should be on this list, please send us an email to info@nrait.co.nz with the details.