Significant support for Cantabs in Auckland

More than 2000 Cantabrians have now registered at Auckland’s reception centres, with agencies predicting a short-term population boost of up to 21,000 for the Auckland region.

Auckland Council’s Civil Defence team has set up three reception centres for people displaced from Christchurch, at Auckland Airport, Lambie Drive in Manukau, and Whenuapai, where they are allocated emergency accommodation and other support.

Auckland Council’s Civil Defence Controller Clive Manley expects there will continue to be a need for the reception centres for the foreseeable future.

“We are expecting an ongoing arrival of people from Christchurch – some for respite or short-term stays, some in transit, and some long-term stay or permanent relocation.

“So far, 1192 people have been provided with accommodation in Auckland, either through billets, community centres and groups, and in motels.

“The health sector alone predicts a population increase for Auckland of up to 21,000 people, with resulting increased demand for housing, education, social welfare and employment.”
All residents who have left Christchurch should call 0800 Red Cross (0800 733 276), to be registered.
Auckland has provided the following in response to requests for support:

• 144 staff from Auckland Council deployed to Wellington and Christchurch, including: Civil Defence staff (four), Auckland Council building inspectors (60), engineers (three), Watercare staff and contractors (39).
• An additional 47 staff from Auckland Council are in Auckland working on earthquake-related support.
• Auckland Police districts are supporting Canterbury with 124 staff (including general service police, incident command teams and disaster victim identification personnel), cadaver dogs, generators, and radio equipment.
• Auckland Fire Service has 69 officers in Christchurch
• District health boards from the Auckland region have provided 40 staff, including 15 doctors and 19 nurses.
• More than 1300 Aucklanders have offered to host people displaced by the earthquake in their homes. A number of those coming from Christchurch have been billeted to Aucklanders’ homes
• Auckland Transport has advised bus, train and ferry companies to accept Christchurch public transport discount cards.
Auckland Civil Defence is coordinating the city’s support for the national state of emergency. The Civil Defence Emergency Coordination Centre in Auckland has been staffed 24/7 since the earthquake and will continue responding to all requests from Christchurch.

ENDS
The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is reminding New Zealanders that cash donations are the best way to help Cantabrians. Donations can be made via the Red Cross, Salvation Army and branches of the ANZ, National, Westpac, ASB, BNZ and Kiwibank banks. Details can be found at www.civildefence.govt.nz.

Useful websites

www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz

www.civildefence.govt.nz

www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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