The Ngātiwai Trust Board has been working in collaboration with Te Runanga Ā Iwi O Ngāpuhi, Te Manawaroa O Ngātihine and Ki A Ora Ngātiwai to support kaumātua and vulnerable whānau finding things difficult during the Alert Level 4 lockdown.
“By sharing things like logistics, the costs of kai, the supply of hygiene products, where we store it, the small team processing it and having health professionals already out in the community help deliver it, the operation although a challenge, has come together wonderfully thanks to the great efforts of all those contributing.”
Te Takiwā o Ngāpuhi ki Whangārei Trustee, Janelle Beazley says “We are working closely with our marae representatives and others who work with kaumātua and vulnerable people to identify those with the most need. Many of our people live alone, struggle to get out and about or are struggling to make ends meet in their normal daily lives. “
“The Alert 4 lockdown has added to their struggles causing frustration and for some fear. Hopefully the care packs of food and other resources will help some way to get them through this difficult time.”
“We also must remember the people who are putting themselves at risk to make sure this can happen, organisers, packers and people who make the deliveries. We are grateful for their support” says Janelle.
Haydn Edmonds says “The support we as a collective are giving the people in our community is just a small contribution to top up how they are managing their current situation to get through this lock down period.”
“All circumstances are different, and we are finding varying levels of need. We are not going to be able to solve all the issues, but we hope we can help kaumātua and whānau in a small way, along with all the other agencies that are offering similar support.”
“This pandemic we are facing is going to be something that we are going to have to deal with at varying levels for some time, beyond this four week lock down.”
“It’s crucial that we are continue to work in collaboration with all iwi and Government agencies around the country. Another example of this is in Auckland and over to Aotea Great Barrier where we acknowledge Ngāti Whātua who are helping us reach and support our whānau in our Southern rohe.”
“It is our whakapapa connections where we gain our collective strength, and through this unity we all must try and support as many whānau who are in the most need” says Haydn.
ENDS