Christchurch tragedy – we're here to help

If you can't earn enough income to pay for the things you and your family need, and you're affected by the attacks, we may be able to help.

Christchurch newsletters

The Ministry of Social Development has a newsletter which talks about what help and support is available from the government, and any other helpful information for people affected by the Christchurch tragedy.

This is available online (in HTML format) and in PDF for printing.

Help with learning new skills - Brochure

If you've been affected by the mosque attacks there's support available to help you get the skills you need. We have a brochure available that explains how we can support you. This is available in several different languages.

If you get donations to support you after the attacks, they won't be counted as a cash asset and any interest you earn on them won't be counted as income.

ACC provides financial support if you or a member of your family has been injured or died. This includes:

• help paying for the funeral
• financial help for partners, children and other dependents
• help with loss of income when someone has been injured or died.

ACC are working with Police and Canterbury District Health Board to ensure claims are fast tracked.

ACC have a PDF of what help is available:

Call ACC: 0800 080 273

Email ACC: christchurchresponse@acc.co.nz

You can call or text 1737 Need to talk? to talk with a trained counsellor.

You can also call free from a landline 24 hours a day, on 0800 1737 1737

Mental health advice

If you need advice on how to cope after a traumatic event, there are resources available on the Ministry of Health website:

• Coping after a traumatic event
• Supporting your kids after a traumatic event

You can read these in English and Arabic.

It can be hard to know how to support your children and what to say to them after a traumatic event.

If you have children affected by the events in Christchurch, here are some resources that may help.

If you're a New Zealand resident or citizen, you can also visit your local doctor. A fee may apply.

You're travelling from overseas, talk to your travel insurer. Visits may be covered.

Public submissions to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Attack on Christchurch Mosques have now closed.

To find out more, you can:

• visit the Royal Commission website
• call the Royal Commission on 0800 222 987 or
• email info@christchurchattack.royalcommission.nz

If you've lost a loved one or you've been injured, there's a dedicated case management service to help you and your family with any of your needs.

If you or your family want case management support, call 03 961 9257 or email support@msd.govt.nz

Speak to someone in another language

You can call our language lines and speak to someone in one of the languages we support.

These free 0800 lines are available Monday to Friday, between 8.30am to 5pm.

Our language lines

You can also call us on 0800 559 009 and ask to talk to us in another language. We'll arrange an interpreter for you and this will be free.

Email us

support@msd.govt.nz

Come in and see us

People can visit any of our service centres around New Zealand for assistance.

You can also use MyMSD to apply for some types of help.

What you can do in MyMSD

Log in to MyMSD