Organisations around New Zealand have sprung into action to support Pacific communities during this unprecedented COVID-19 lockdown.
Knowing members of their communities are vulnerable, taking action and assisting where it can is what Pacific Trust Otago (PTO) does, says PTO Chief Executive Officer Lester Dean.
For the past two decades, PTO has supported the Pacific people living in the Otago region, promoting services to Pacific people to access health, education and social services. It is also a Tupu Aotearoa Service Provider.
Pacific Trust Otago has continued its invaluable work during the country-wide four-week lockdown.
“Last week, PTO processed 20 new Whanau Ora families, with the majority of these families needing assistance buying food,” Lester says.
Others have reached out to PTO asking for support with power bills and rent.
“We have spent $7,000 supporting families in the Otago area,” Lester adds.
“There has been people from the community saying they have been laid off, and we have advised them they need to speak with their employers to clarify the situation and if employers have applied for a wage subsidy.”
Highs and lows have already emerged from the COVID-19 situation in New Zealand, Lester says.
“A positive is the Pacific community has united and are working together.
“It has also highlighted the vulnerability of our community and the information uncovered will hopefully be used to assist with the developments of strategies and policies in the future.”
Meanwhile, staff at Christchurch health provider Etu Pasifika says the Canterbury Pacific community is concerned about the long-term impacts of COVID-19.
They want to reassure families their staff are ready and prepared to provide support post COVID-19.
General Manager Amanaki Misa says his team are constantly on the ground seven days per week, engaging with families.
We have a great relationship with our community and are aware of their needs, he says.
In the past week Etu Pasifika has had 420 enquiries about COVID-19 Support Packages and has delivered packages to 320 families so far.
“We have a very strong team at Etu Pasifika who are dedicated to working around the clock, seven-days a week, to ensure every family’s needs are met,” Amanaki says.
Over 80 percent of families who have requested support packages, have had to do so because both parents are unable to work during the lock down.
“At the moment, our families are concerned whether they are able to provide enough food for their family, so we have provided essential foods in our packages…foods Pacific families are familiar with and know how to cook, as well as colouring books and stationery for families with children, and sanitary products for elderly family members.”
Financial support for rent payments and power bills may also be included in the next phase of support packages, but this will be based on case by case.
When people call about support packages, staff at Etu Pasifika are also encouraging vulnerable family members to get a flu vaccine.
Pacific families in the Canterbury area are encouraged to contact Etu Pasifika if they need to access health advice or a support package. Phone: 03 599 9083.