Our Christchurch offices will be open again as normal tomorrow morning to assist those in need in the wake of Friday’s terrorist attack in Christchurch, says Ministry of Social Development chief executive Debbie Power.

"Anyone who needs our assistance, whether because of urgent financial hardship, the need for assistance with travel costs to Christchurch, or other matters, should come into one of our service centres, contact us on 0800 559 009, or through our online service on MyMSD.

"While those affected can visit any of our sites, we will also be offering specialist services for the Muslim community at our Linwood and Riccarton branches. Four Muslim staff from Auckland will be arriving in Christchurch to assist at those sites. Further cultural and interpreter support is also being co-ordinated.

"Over the weekend we were able to assist a number of members of the Christchurch community affected by the attacks, as a result of extending our contact centre hours into late Saturday and Sunday. We assisted with travel costs, food costs, and other matters."

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible act. We as an organisation will do everything we can to help," says Ms Power.

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