Media Release

For immediate release

24 February 2011

12pm

005

 
Auckland sets up welfare centre for earthquake evacuees

A welfare centre for evacuees from Christchurch is up and running at the Faith Church in Manukau.
 
The centre, set up by Auckland Civil Defence, will act as a coordination centre for accommodation, transport and general welfare requirements for those people evacuated from Christchurch who don’t have alternative options or arrangements.

The centre is being staffed by Civil Defence officers, and representatives from the Ministry of Social Development, Victim Support and NZ Red Cross. Other agencies will provide assistance as welfare needs are understood.

Evacuees will:

·         Arrive in Auckland on commercial (Air New Zealand and Jetstar) flights from Christchurch

·         Their needs will be assessed at Auckland Airport

·         Some evacuees will also be transported from Whenuapai Airbase

·         Those requiring welfare assistance will be transported to the welfare centre by bus

·         The welfare centre will provide food, accommodation options, transport arrangements into the city and psycho-social support services.

Assistance from the public is not required at the welfare centre.

Concerned Aucklanders can register offers of accommodation with Tourism Auckland on 0800 AUCKLAND (0800 282 552) or www.aucklandnz.com.
 
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.

ENDS

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