Christchurch earthquake information

A message to our community colleagues in Canterbury.

The staff of the OCVS send our sympathies and best wishes to everyone in Christchurch and the Canterbury region, and hope that your strength continues to see you through the days and weeks ahead. Our thoughts are also with all those people who have family and friends affected by the earthquake.

It is in times of crisis that we see the best of our communities – with individuals, families, whanau, friends, neighbours and even strangers pulling together to get through. This has been very obvious right across the Christchurch community.

At such a terrible time, it has been heartening to witness the mobilisation of volunteers and the community bonds that demonstrate the character and compassion of our fellow human beings.

The national and international outpouring of support and assistance is huge and will be ongoing – with key agencies from government and the community working together to plan the road to recovery. Help is available.

If you are aware of any significant gaps in support or assistance, please let us know so we can pass this information on to our colleagues in relevant agencies. If there is any way that you think we can help, please also let us know.

Christchurch – you are not alone.

Stay strong, kia kaha.

Caroline, Hugh, Diana, Judith, Gabby, James and Grant in the Office for the Community and Voluntary Sector.

ocvs@dia.govt.nz

Ph 04 495 7200

Key websites where you can seek assistance and information are listed below:

• www.ngoupdater.org.nz/community-organisations/
  - website setup by NZCCSS, so Christchurch NGOs can share information about their current location, operational status, assistance needs or offers of help to other organisations
•  www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz
  - for information about centres, water distribution, schools, road closures and electricity status
• www.canterburyearthquake.govt.nz/
  - includes essential phone numbers and info on health, support services and financial help, plus info for property owners and businesses
• www.quakehelp.co.nz/
  - a site where people can request help or offer assistance
• www.sva.org.nz
  - Student Volunteer Army website where people can request help or offer assistance
• www.civildefence.govt.nz/
  - official updates on this national emergency
• http://eqviewer.co.nz/
  - map showing location of key lifelines such as water, portaloos and welfare centres
• www.mentalhealth.org.nz/page/895-news+coping-in-a-disaster
  - advice from the Mental Health Foundation on well-being and coping in a disaster, plus links to guidance on stress, supporting children, and info from Skylight on supporting those who are grieving
• www.ethnicaffairs.govt.nz
  - the Office of Ethnic Affairs' Language Line has extended its hours to help and offers a telephone interpretation service in 41 languages.
• http://www.msd.govt.nz/emergency/index.html
  - Ministry of Social Development website for earthquake assistance information.