Assistance for quake victims available in Northland

Civil Defence officials are reminding Christchurch residents who may have ‘self-evacuated’ to Northland in the wake of last week’s earthquake of the range of assistance that may be available to them.

Spokesman Graeme MacDonald says the Northland Welfare Advisory Group, which is part of the Civil Defence network in the region, is aware that a number of people have travelled to Northland to stay with friends and family over the past week.

He says the Northland Welfare Advisory Group can provide assistance in a variety of ways, including emergency accommodation, food and financial and the Ministry of Social Development through its Work and Income Service centres is the local contact point.

People who may need assistance are asked to contact Work and Income (0800) 559 009 for the location of the nearest office or to visit its website: www.workandincome.govt.nz

Meanwhile, he says both Red Cross and Victim Support have 24-hour freephone services available for those who feel they may need it.

The Red Cross number is (0800) 733 276 (0800 Red Cross) and Victim Support on (0800) 842 846 (0800 Victim).