30 January 2023 – New Zealand – Neighbours and community groups are the unsung heroes of the emergency flood response in Auckland and other areas, says Neighbourhood Support New Zealand.
The organisation, which has networks throughout the affected areas, is recognising the efforts of countless coordinators and volunteers who have door-knocked, undertaken welfare checks, participated in clean ups, and organised assistance for those who need it.
“Reaching out, looking out and helping out is what Neighbourhood Support is all about,” says NSNZ Chair and Neighbourhood Support Waitakere Coordinator, Louise Grevel, “but the scale of this emergency and its ongoing nature means that neighbours and neighbourhoods are working tirelessly to support those who need help. It has also been wonderful to see community organisations connecting and working together. Communities are really digging in to support each other. It is a grass roots community response.”
With more bad weather on its way Neighbourhood Support is encouraging people to check in with their neighbours, particularly those who live alone or who are vulnerable.
“We are particularly concerned about people, such as the disabled community and older people, who may rely on support services who are unable to reach them,” says Louise Grevel. “Not everyone has access to social media or the internet and so there are also people who aren’t able to access information. In some instances neighbours may be the only people who can help.”
The organisation is encouraging government agencies and those leading the emergency response to provide targeted information for vulnerable populations.
Neighbourhood Support New Zealand has free resources to help neighbours to connect and support one another.
ENDS
Contact Details
NSNZ Chair/Waitakere Neighbourhood Support
Louise Grevel
Tel: 027 673 4708
Counties Manukau District Neighbourhood Support
Colleen Brown
Tel: 027 479 7978
Pauanui/Coromandel Area
Claire Steer
Tel: 027 257 9999
About Neighbourhood Support New Zealand
Neighbourhood Support is a nationwide community led movement that brings people and neighbourhoods together to create safe, resilient, and connected communities. Over 220,000 households are part of our growing network. Neighbourhood Support work alongside NZ Police and other partners to equip neighbourhoods to improve safety, be prepared for emergencies and support one another so that our communities are great places to live.
Address (appointment only)
C/O Police National Headquarters
180 Molesworth Street
Thorndon, Wellington, 6011
New Zealand
Email - info@neighbourhoodsupport.co.nz
Phone - 0800 4 NEIGHBOURS (0800 463 444)
Twitter - https://twitter.com/nsnewzealand
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