12. TODD McCLAY (National—Rotorua) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What counselling support is available for Cantabrians impacted by the earthquake?
Hon PAULA BENNETT (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
A key focus has been on providing counselling support. We have had up to 400 counsellors available on the ground by phone, and many others around the country. Since February we have given over half a million dollars. I make the point that that counselling service is free, so just shout out to Cantabrians that if they need it, it is there, it is available, and there are resources there for them.
Hon PAULA BENNETT Link to this
This is a moving number, but I understand that at the moment about 39 percent of non-governmental organisations have red-stickered premises. This is, obviously, of some concern in terms of their capacity to look after members of the public who need help. For those impacted, though, we have set up temporary rooms at the netball clubs, and are looking at other measures for them.