Media release: Covid-19 support

       WE’RE STILL HERE WHĀNAU: SUPPORT FOR THOSE STUCK AT HOME WITH COVID-19 STILL AVAILABLE

While many are enjoying easy summer days with whānau and friends, spare a thought for those stuck at home with Covid-19.

An iwi-backed charitable trust in Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui (top of the South Island) is keen to let people in self-isolation know they have not been forgotten.

Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust Pouwhakahaere Rauemi Dr Lorraine Eade says while life appears to be getting back to normal, there are still large numbers of the community living with the impacts of Covid-19.

“In our rohe, we will actually have more people in self-isolation now than we did this time last year and I think it’s important for those people to know, that while as a country we’re all keen to move on from the pandemic, those who still need help have not been forgotten.”

Eade says the Trust’s Te Pātaka emergency kai service is operating throughout the holidays for whānau in need.

“While most of our staff are taking a break and our offices are closed, we have people on duty to take care of kai deliveries and we can still be contacted via our 0800 number and via our website. We don’t want whānau who are struggling to do so in silence and wait until everything reopens. If you need help, please reach out now.”

Eade said with large gatherings making a welcome comeback, it was as important now than ever to keep up to date with vaccinations.

“Māori aged over 40 have recently become eligible to receive a second booster. Now’s a good time to get it and get up to date, don’t let Covid-19 ruin summer.”

Those who test positive for Covid-19 are reminded to enter their result at MyCovidRecord. From here, a range of support can be accessed. People living in Te Tauihu can also contact Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust directly.

1/ By calling the Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu hotline, 0800 514 358 (9am to 3pm)

2/ Via the Te Kotahi website referral form

3/ By emailing awhi@kotahitehoe.org.nz

ENDS

NOTES:

1. Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Charitable Trust was set up by the eight iwi of Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui (top of the South Island) in early 2021 to advance health and wellbeing, alleviate poverty, ensure adequate food and housing is available and promote education and skills for the benefits of the communities of Te Tauihu (the top of the South Island) and in particular in Māori communities.

2. Ngā iwi o Te Tauihu of Te Waka-a-Māui are: Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama ki Te Waipounamu, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Rangitāne o Wairau and Te Ātiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui.