Flooding in Nelson - December 2011
06 January 2012
Information on support available to people affected by flooding in the Nelson area.
Civil Defence Payments
This payment helps people who have been evacuated due to a civil defence emergency, with costs for accommodation, food, bedding, clothing and loss of income.
You may get a Civil Defence payment if you:
have had to leave your home because of the emergency (you have been evacuated) or were away from your home at the time of the emergency and can’t return to your home due to the emergency.
Being eligible for the Civil Defence Payment also depends on:
- you not being able to cover your costs from either insurance (or you haven’t been paid yet)
- whether you have access to other aid (such as public donations or other government or charitable relief funds).
You must also be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident who normally lives in New Zealand and intends to stay here.
In most cases it doesn’t matter what you earn or own and Civil Defence payments don’t usually affect other benefits.
To apply for this payment please call into your nearest Work and Income Service Centre.
Key contacts
0800 Government Helpline (0800 779 997)
The Government Helpline has been activated and is available Monday to Friday 7am - 6pm, Saturday 8am – 1pm, closed on public holidays. This line connects people to the range of services available to people affected by the event.
Support and Counselling Services
If you are finding it hard to cope and need support you can ring the Counselling Services Helpline on 0800 777 846.
When you call this helpline, someone will talk with you and help work out what kind of support you may need. They can connect you with free counselling services or organisations that can offer you practical support, information or advice.
Building Information Hotline (03 546 0284)
This is a dedicated line for Nelson and Golden Bay residents providing information about properties. Use this line to request an inspection, explain a sticker, and find out when they can return to their homes.
Geotech (land stability information) Hotline (03 543 8498)
There is also a dedicated phone line for people wanting information about land stability. All residents from Nelson and Tasman can Phone (03) 543 8498 for assistance.
Slipline (03 543 8498)
Nelson and Tasman residents are asked to report any slips to the ‘Slipline,’ on 03 543 8498. The line is open seven days a week from 8am to 5pm. After hours, ring 111 if it is an emergency or ring your individual council.
