Whaikaha update regarding current Auckland weather situation - Sunday 12 February 2023

Following is the most up-to-date information available on Whaikaha’s website and Facebook page on preparing for Cyclone Gabrielle.

• Information in Easy Read is available here: https://www.peoplefirst.org.nz/auckland-floods-easy.../...
• If you are impacted personally, please contact emergency services on 111. If you have difficulty hearing or talking on the phone, try the 111 TXT service to contact Fire, Ambulance or Police: https://www.police.govt.nz/111-txt
• In the first instance, we suggest keeping up to date with the latest information and advice at https://www.facebook.com/aklcdem/.
• Disabled people and whānau can contact Whakarongorau Aotearoa, New Zealand Telehealth Services if you need support on 0800 111 213, Text 8988. Or access it with the New Zealand Relay Service at nzrelay.co.nz.
• The three current Civil Defence Centres should all be accessible. People going there with assist dogs should take them. Please remember other essential items you may need, such as devices, medicine, warm clothing, and baby items. The locations are:

⚠️Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17. Please enter through Gate 1

⚠️Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park

⚠️St. Leonards Road School, 15 Saint Leonards Road, Kelston

⚠️Please only return to your property if it is safe to do so

⚠️Do not drive through floodwaters and remember it could be contaminated

⚠️Hazards and debris could also be beneath the surface

⚠️Take pictures of any damage for your insurance company and contact them as soon as possible

Disabled people and whānau affected by the Auckland floods who are on a benefit or low income may be able to get help from Work and Income. Call on 0800 400 100, from 7am to 5pm.

 Te Roopu Waiora – Papatuanuku marae and Manurewa marae emergency are accessible and both allow guide dogs and have limited supplies of disability equipment available

Whaikaha was liaising with Te Whatu Ora for a seamless info response.

*******

Sunday 29 January 2023

Kia ora koutou 

As you will be aware , Auckland is in a state of emergency. We hope you are keeping as safe and dry as you can. Whaikaha has a team working to ensure disabled people and disability providers have access to support during this time. We will continue to update our website with information in accessible formats throughout this state of emergency https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/about-us/news/auckland-state-of-emergency/ 

Accessing support

• If you are accessing disability support services and need extra support, in first instance contact your provider.
• You can also contact Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People at contact@whaikaha.govt.nz or via 0800 566 601.
• If you need emergency help you should first contact emergency service dial 111.
• If you need assistance please call Auckland Emergency Management at info@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone 09 301 0101.
• Deaf and disabled people and whānau can contact Whakarongorau Aotearoa, New Zealand Telehealth Services if you need support Text 8988 or 0800 111 213,

Civil Defence Centres 

The three current Civil Defence Centres are all accessible. People with assist dogs can take them. Please remember other essential items you may need, such as devices, medicine, warm clothing. The locations are:

⚠️Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17. Please enter through Gate 1
⚠️Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park
⚠️St. Leonards Road School, 15 Saint Leonards Road, Kelston 

Taikura NASC will have staff at each of the centres 

Important information for disabled people and whānau:

• Further rainfall is anticipated so please keep an eye on the weather forecast
• Please only return to your property if it is safe to do so
• Do not drive through floodwaters and remember it could be contaminated. Hazards and debris could also be beneath the surface 

Equipment

If disabled people have had to leave required equipment such as wheelchairs behind during evacuations , or equipment has been damaged please let the contact centre know and we will followup with necessary supports. 

Keep us informed

If you have needed to evacuate houses or require extra assistance  for the people you support, please let us know.

Look after yourselves and your whānau. We will continue to provide updates as we can.

We are available to assist if providers need support so please make contact directly with the contact centre  0800 566 601. You can also email contact@whaikaha.govt.nz