“Don't do anything dangerous and don't be afraid to reach out to people for help,” national print association PrintNZ told its members, as the worst storm to hit New Zealand this century caused widespread damage across the North Island. At least four people have died, hundreds have been rescued from rooftops and more than 10,000 are displaced.
NZ Navy rescued a catamaran sailor near Great Barrier Island (NZDF photo)
“As the upper North Island faces its second devastating weather event in as many weeks, and now a large chunk of the rest of the country gets battered by Cyclone Gabrielle, our thoughts are with everyone who has suffered damage as a result of one or both of these events,” said Ruth Cobb, chief executive of PrintNZ.
“A National State of Emergency was declared this [Tuesday] morning, reinforcing how serious this situation is and how many will be affected. A flood relief package is to be announced at 2 pm this afternoon with assistance for severely affected businesses.
“As well as the physical effects this will be a very stressful time for many and I know that businesses will be doing their best to support their staff as they work through this, at the same time having their own issues and families to support.
“Please take care,” Cobb said. “Don't do anything dangerous and don't be afraid to reach out to people for help.
“Everyone has different needs and different ways of coping and I wanted to reach out with some numbers and websites that may be of help during this time.
“Remember that the PrintNZ team is here to help you too - please reach out to us if we can assist you."
(photo: Northland Police)
Emergency Assistance Numbers: Civil Defence https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
Find your local civil defence group here
Civil Defence Emergency Payment 0800 400 100
MBIE Temporary Accommodation Service https://www.tas.mbie.govt.nz/ 0508 754163
First Steps Workplace Wellbeing Programme 0800 178 783
1737 Need to Talk Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor
Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 2694202)
Depression.org.nz 080 111757 or text 4202
Lifeline 0800 543354
Mental Health Foundation 09 623 4812 Click here to access its free resource and information service
Rural Support Trust 0800 787254
Samaritans 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828865
Yellow Brick Road 0800 732825
thelowdown.co.nz Web chat, email chat or free text 5626
What's Up (for 5 to 18 year olds). Phone counselling on 0800942 8787
Youthline0800 376633, free text 234 email talk@youthline.co.nz
If it is an emergency click here to find the number for your local mental health crisis team.
In a life threatening situation call 111.
