When 1 News At 6 visited VisionWest to talk about community needs, CEO, Lisa Woolley, warned that the financial needs of many in our community will get worse as we move to Level 2 and beyond.
“There’s a tsunami of need coming towards our services over this next phase and we’re going to need ongoing support,” Lisa said. “In the emergency phase, food and housing have been of the utmost importance but we are now coming into a recovery phase where, alongside food and housing, we are seeing more requests for financial mentoring, counselling and employment services.”
These extra requests for help reflect the reality that many New Zealanders have been made redundant or are struggling with a cut in work hours and wages. Increasing numbers will find themselves in financial hardship if, and when, the wage subsidy ends (the government announced in the recent budget that it would continue for eight weeks beyond the initial 12 weeks) and as more businesses fold under continuing financial pressure.
Social Development Minister, Carmel Sepuloni responded to the increased need by reminding 1 News At 6 about the funding provided by last week’s budget, particularly to foodbank organisations, and by stating that the government were committed to working with community organisations to ensure they continue to get the help they need. CLICK HERE to read VisionWest’s Response to the 2020 Budget. https://visionwest.org.nz/blog-listing/visionwest-response-to-budget-2020
When asked about this, Lisa responded by saying, “We’re really pleased to see the increase in funding for food insecurity in New Zealand. This is an area that has been traditionally funded by philanthropists and other donations. The Budget means that services like VisionWest can be a greater support for whānau in our community.” (This statement not included in the broadcasted news bulletin).
The interview concluded with Lisa giving thanks to all those staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to help meet the needs within our community up to this time. CLICK HERE to view the 1 News At 6 item.