Wellbeing after an emergency – Buller flooding July 2021 – November update

Buller flooding – July 2021

November 2021 Update

It’s been four months since the Buller floods now. In the meantime we’ve had a COVID-19 lockdown and reduced alert level rules.  On the bright side, spring turned up and we’re moving into summer!

Many things seem a little better when you can get outside more often, go for a walk around the neighbourhood or down to the beach, borrow a bike and ride to the hills and back, go for a swim at the pool, and crank up the BBQ.  (With sunscreen, hats and appropriate attire, of course!)
There are still many households in limbo while they talk to insurers, the council, the Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) or Residential Advisory Service (RAS), landlords, banks, builders and the like.  Those pressures can be stressful – don’t forget if you’re feeling in need of talking to someone – call or text 1737 any time of day or night.

If it’s an emergency, please call 111.

For health advice at any time:

• Talk confidentially about a meth or P – 0800 METH HELP 0800 6384-4357
• The Alcohol Drug Helpline offers support to anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use 0800 787-797
• For wellbeing support you can talk to a counsellor free of charge, call or text 1737 any time of the day or night
• For pregnancy support and advice over the phone, please call your LMC/midwife
• If you have questions about your young child or baby’s health phone Plunketline on 0800 933-922 to speak to a Plunket nurse
• Visit the HealthInfo website for trusted health advice on a range of issues
• Buller Pharmacy at 168 Palmerston Street Westport is open for over the counter medications and health advice – please wear a mask, socially distance and dress for queuing outside.
• Call Healthline on 0800 611-116 – calls are answered 24/7. If you need to be seen, they will tell you what to do and where to go.
• If you are still living in a red or yellow-stickered house, be aware that dampness and mould can be bad for your health / your children’s health. Make sure you’re taking extra care to wash your hands using soap, or regularly using sanitiser. Clean and disinfect surfaces often. Use diluted household bleach (1 litre of bleach to 10 litres of water) on any areas where mould has developed.

For Māori whanau

• Message, phone or email rehia.mcdonald@teha.nz, 021 0286-3484 at Te Hā O Kawatiri if you need support.
• The Te Puni Kōkiri website provides the latest, trusted information for Māori about COVID-19 and the vaccine rollout. We share the work iwi and Māori organisations are doing around the motu.
• Contact Poutini Waiora – a kaupapa Māori health and social service provider that delivers holistic care to whanau across Te Tai O Poutini. Free Call: 0800 333-170, Press 3 for Kawatiri.

Welfare needs

The Community Hub at 175 Palmerston St, Westport (phone 0800 768-348) is a free one-stop shop for flood-affected residents.
Monday to Friday 9.30 – 4pm
Saturday 12 noon to 2pm.

Westport Flood Assistance Information

Flood recovery assistance booklet

Support for Māori

Information document

Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui
Be strong, be brave, be steadfast!

Tags coping in difficult timesfloodhealth advicemouldwellbeing