Coco News

Hawkes Bay RSE workers - How to Help/Donate

Now that accommodation and evacuation centres have been set up, we have an update on where the displaced Pasifika RSE workers are staying in the aftermath of the Cyclone Gabrielle floods.

We've also included details of organisations you can donate to who are providing care and assistance as well as distributing donations, food, clothing and other basic necessities to these workers and others in Hawkes Bay who have lost everything.

** Update as at Saturday 18 Feb 23 - Community groups helping on the ground have said NO MORE CLOTHES NEEDED **

They are now only accepting the following items:

* Clean Towels

* Bottled Water

* Sanitary items/toiletries

* Non perishable food

* For those outside of the area who can't send the above: If you want to give. Give cash $$ (More details for where you can donate money below)

HASTINGS

The following evacuation shelters are operating in the Hastings area and are accommodating various groups of the more than 500 displaced seasonal workers: Te Aranga Marae, Cook Islands Community Hall, Malamalama Centre EFKS Flaxmere, Ascend Church, Flaxmere Community Centre & FlaxRock Gym plus Hastings Sports Centre.

Priscilla Tuala-Fata, Director and Lead Trainer for PolyActive Hawkes Bay has been on the ground in the Flaxmere and Hastings area with her team picking up donations and distributing them around to the different evacuation centres.

Collecting donations to be dropped off to evacuation centres

One of the Napier/Hastings roads opened today so they were also able to take across a big delivery over to the RSE workers sheltering at Kings House Church in Napier. She shares more with us in the video above.

"It was so emotional seeing the RSE workers all cold and scared the first night they came to the marae." she said "The Cook Islands Hall and EFKS in Flaxmere opened up as well as the AOG for other RSE workers to be there."

She said they have been getting bombarded with calls from all over NZ as to how to donate towards the RSE workers but have been busy picking up and delivering donations.

If you want to know more about how to help, contact them via facebook messenger on their PolyActive Hawkes Bay facebook and instagram page - their operations team are now monitoring the queries and messages OR you can call this number 027 457 8951.

Donations can be sent to PolyActive Ltd Bank account: 12-3145-0303209-50

"100% of the proceeds donated are going on our RSE workers, facilities and families for what they are in need of ie underwear, food, toiletries, shoes" Cilla added

Ali Leota, the Pacific/Disability Civil Defence coordinator for Hawkes Bay said that Food hasn't been a problem for the RSE workers as people are continually dropping items off.

"All our RSE workers are doing well and are happy to cook for themselves to keep them occupied as they wait it out.

Comms lines are not the best at the moment and funny enough social media is the most reliable Comms in the region at the moment." Ali added.

Kai kai time at the Cook Islands Community Centre in Flaxmere

The Ngati Kahungunu Iwi facebook page is doing a great job keeping the community informed and posted info on where you can donate and also sign up to volunteer in their facebook post below.

You can also donate directly to them here 02-0644-0117140-00. Reference: KOHA.

NAPIER

Kings House Church are now housing and feeding all 300 of the RSE workers who were displaced in Napier. They have been moved back to Kings House after initially being taken to Centennial Hall in Napier.

While roads are still blocked in and out of Napier, you can send monetary donations to Kings House Church who are providing the evacuees with meals and welfare support.

Kings House Church bank account: 38-9009-0297745-000

Pasifika provider from Kings House Church in Napier, Charles Faletutulu has been on hand assisting with support for the RSE workers who have nowhere to go.

"It's been hectic. We've had over 400+ evacuated to our support site - 300 of them are RSE workers.

A very overwhelming time for the workers. We continue to support and provide welfare for these boys. Power remains off here in Napier." said Charles

"Most of these guys have lost everything. Walked through neckhigh floods with suitcases holding all they have left" he added.

If you would like to donate directly to the Tongan RSE workers who initially raised the alarm to the plight of all of the seasonal workers in Hawkes Bay after they went live, stranded on the roof of their cabins. You can either send to the Evacuation Centre they're staying at or contact Tevita Niu who is their handler over from Tonga on 021 073 4156.

He will be able to provide information on where the boys are currently being accommodated as well.

HAWKES BAY DEFENCE MANAGEMENT DONATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS

Mayoral Relief Funds have been set up for Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Thames-Coromandel, Hawke’s Bay, Tararua, Taranaki and Taupō regions.

If you would like to provide financial support to the communities affected by Cyclone Gabrielle click here for more information on where you can donate.

Help with emergency costs for our aiga:

Civil Defence payments are available for people affected by the flooding. You don't have to be getting a benefit, and in most cases it doesn't matter what your income is or what assets you have. Non-residents may be eligible for this payment.

A Civil Defence Payment can help with:

* Emergency food, clothing and bedding if yours has been damaged or destroyed by the flooding

* Costs if you've had to leave your home

* Loss of income because you can't work due to the flooding

* A payment if you have evacuees staying with you in places such as a private home, marae or community centres.

Call Pasifika community help teams on 0800 400 100. This service is open 7am-5pm, Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm Saturday and Sunday.

Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air