gilmore_gazette

Special Earthquake Edition

Like many of you, I have experienced the terror of the last few days, with the initial large quake and then the many aftershocks that continue to hammer our city.  I am proud of the hard work and toughness of our workers getting power and water back to people.

The Eastern and North suburbs like Brooklands have suffered particularly badly and are the areas where I spent much effort over the weekend.  Bexley, where my brother lived, Dallington and Avondale have been heavily impacted too. 

Like many others, my house has minor damage, some of my family have serious damage and there is major damage to our roads, water, schools and more. It has been great to help co-ordinate law student Sam Johnston and his student army of mud clean-up people for our side of town. They were in Avondale yesterday and will be in Dallington over the next few days.

I have also been working with our Prime Minister and Hon Gerry Brownlee to get whatever help is needed to rebuild our city and to ensure the Government understands the enormity of the rebuild required.  It is times like this when we rely on those in other parts of the country to provide the support needed from EQC and other forms of Government assistance.

Christchurch has been home to my family for generations and we will rebuild it better and stronger, so it will continue to be a great city for many more generations to come.

Below is important information and contacts.  If you need further assistance please call my Christchurch office on 03 382 5701.

  • Government helpline – 0800 779 997
  • EQC – 0800 DAMAGE (0800 326 243). Don’t panic if you can’t get through the first time you call. The service does not operate on a first come, first served basis. All claims will be dealt with appropriately.  Claims can also be lodged online at: https://cms.eqc.co.nz/claimcenter/cms/public/fnol.form.  People have three months to lodge a claim from the time the event occurred.
  • Healthline  (24 Hours) – 0800 611 116
  • Christchurch City Council - 03 941 8999
  • Orion – 0800 363 9898
  • Emergency services – 111
  • Social Development – 0800 779 997 for help on income support, housing options, health issues, community assistance, clean-up
  • Work and Income – 0800 559 009 for financial assistance


Work and Income Centres open

Sites yet to open

Linwood
Hornby
Riccarton
New Brighton
Shirley
Sydenham
Kaiapoi

Rangiora
Christchurch Central
Papanui

The Government has also announced a wage subsidy to support employees of small businesses seriously disrupted by the Canterbury earthquake.

The support subsidy will be paid to businesses with fewer than 20 employees where earthquake damage means they cannot operate and they cannot pay staff wages.

The subsidy will be paid for up to four weeks initially and businesses can re-apply after four weeks if they are still unable to operate.

Earthquake Support Subsidy:

  • $350 per week gross wage subsidy
  • Advance lump sum paid to employer
  • Employer can ‘top up’ subsidy
  • Backdated to date of earthquake
  • Firms holding insurance cover for loss of earnings will be expected to use this before accessing the wage subsidy.

Businesses can apply from this Thursday and will be paid within 24 hours.  Employers should call the Government earthquake helpline 0800 779 997

It’s important to heed public health messages over the next days and weeks including:

  • Boil water for three minutes before drinking, brushing teeth or washing/preparing food.
  • Use as little water as possible to flush your toilet if you have water.
  • Remember hand washing stops diseases spreading. 
  • Look after each other – keep in touch with families, friends and neighbours and support each other.
  • Avoid contact with sewage. Don’t gather fish or shellfish in the sea or from Canterbury Rivers.
  • If you are unwell with a minor injury or illness and need medical assistance call your general practice or nearest after-hours surgery.  Please keep the Emergency Department for emergencies only. If you need an ambulance call 111.

Other useful websites:

Regards,

Aaron Gilmore