Pacific Earthquake/Tsunami
Information on the types of financial assistance that may be available to people affected by the earthquake and tsunami.
Matou te tautala I lau gagana
To speak with us in Samoan, call 0800 663 003.
Pacific Earthquake/Tsunami factsheet in Samoan
The information on this page in Samoan.
Oku lava ke tau talanoa 'i ho'o lea
To speak with us in Tongan, call 0800 669 009
Pacific Earthquake/Tsunami factsheet in Tongan
The information on this page in Tongan.
Who is affected?
People have been affected by the earthquakes and tsunami in different ways, some of these people could be in the following situations:
- people entering New Zealand to stay with families (these people may or may not be New Zealand residents)
- people who are in New Zealand with no income because their partner is stranded in or they are normally supported by their partner who is in an affected Pacific country
- people on a benefit or New Zealand Superannuation stranded or obliged to stay in an affected Pacific country longer than current benefit rules allow
- people stranded in New Zealand after their work visa has expired
- people in New Zealand in hardship as a result of helping family in an affected Pacific country
- orphaned or unsupported children brought to New Zealand to live with New Zealand family.
Contact us if you feel you have been affected to see if we can help.
What assistance may be available?
If you qualify for assistance, we can provide a range of standard financial assistance which may include:
Main benefits
On-going financial assistance to those with little or no income. Where a person does not meet all criteria for a main benefit, entitlement may be considered under hardship for an Emergency Benefit.
Special Needs Grants
Non-taxable, one-off recoverable or non-recoverable financial assistance to people to meet immediate and essential needs. A person does not have to be receiving a benefit to qualify for a Special Needs Grant. This assistance is income and asset tested.
Note: assistance with travel to and from an affected Pacific Island can be considered for some family members needing to support relatives.Funeral Grants
Non-taxable assistance towards a person's funeral expenses. The Funeral Grant helps people with actual and reasonable funeral costs only and is not designed to cover the entire funeral expenses.
Recoverable Assistance Payments
Non-taxable, interest free, financial assistance to non-beneficiaries to meet essential immediate needs for specific items or services. This assistance will need to be paid back. The person must be able to identify a particular immediate need for an essential item or service. This assistance is income and asset tested.
Contacts
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If you have family living in Samoa who you are concerned about, you should ring the Samoan High Commission on (04) 472 0953 for information.
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If you have family travelling on a New Zealand Passport to Samoa who you are concerned about, you should ring the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on (04) 439 8000.
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If you want advice on travel to the affected areas contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
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If you are concerned about someone who is suffering from trauma or who might need some support, contact Victim Support on 0800 VICTIM (0800 842846) or visit the Victim Support website.
Contact us
If you’d like more information about the financial help we offer:
- call us:0800 559 009 (or use our Deaf Links)
To speak with us in Samoan, call 0800 663 003.
Matou te tautala I lau gagana
To speak with us in Tongan, call 0800 669 009
Oku lava ke tau talanoa 'i ho'o lea