Te Puni Kōkiri is working closely with whānau, hapū, iwi, and across government, to help Māori communities through this global pandemic.
This page sets out key support for whānau and Māori businesses through COVID-19 with guidance and links to useful information.
- COVID-19 update
- Tiakina tō hauora – Looking after your health
- Information for Māori organisations
- Specialist support for Māori business
COVID-19 update
All of Aotearoa is at Alert Level 1 from Thursday 8 October.
To see how to stay safe and to find the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, go to www.covid19.govt.nz.
For an explanation on how the New Zealand Government is managing this global pandemic, view the summary: Managing COVID-19 in Aotearoa.
Tiakina tō hauora – Looking after your health
Protecting you and your whānau
It is important to remain vigilant around hand and face hygiene, stay home if you are feeling unwell and keep track of where you have been throughout the day.
If you or your whānau are unwell
- In an emergency, always call 111
- Call your health services provider for advice and COVID-19 testing
- For COVID-19 specific enquiries, 0800 358 5453
- For general health enquiries, 0800 611 116
COVID-19 testing
Your health provider or Healthline will advise you on whether you need a test. You can get a COVID-19 test at your health clinic or from the venues listed here.
Use of face masks and face coverings
Continued use of face coverings is encouraged (but not required) when you can’t keep physically distant in enclosed spaces, such as public transport.
Contact tracing
Everyone is encouraged to download and use the COVID-19 Tracer App. This is the fastest way of contact tracing if cases occur in the community and it will help contain the spread of COVID-19.
If you are not using the app, you can use the NZ COVID Tracer booklet to keep track of where you’ve been and who you’ve seen.
- Check out the app here: NZ COVID-19 Tracer app
- Find out about the paper booklet here: NZ COVID Tracer booklet
Looking after your mental wellbeing
In times like this it’s completely normal to not feel ok. Here are some different sorts of support for the uncertain times ahead:
- Need to Talk? free phone or text 1737
- Youthline free text 234 or call 0800 376 633
- Safe to Talk (Sexual Harm Helpline) text 4334 or 0800 044 334
- Life Line 0800 543 354 or text HELP (4357)
- Depression and Anxiety Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
The Unite against COVID-19 website has information about looking after your mental wellbeing and preventing family and sexual violence.
Māori health providers
Māori health providers across the motu can assist you and your whānau:
- For information that has been developed by leading Māori health experts for whānau Māori
- To find a North Island Māori health provider
- To find a South Island Māori health provider
Practical support
If you need help getting food or a place to stay, or general financial assistance:
- See the essential supplies help on covid19.govt.nz
- See the accommodation help on covid19.govt.nz
- For financial support (for New Zealand residents), call Work and Income on 0800 559 009 – open 7am–6pm (Mon–Fri), 8am–1pm (Sat), Sun closed
- If you’ve lost your job or had your hours reduced you may be able to get a benefit, COVID-19 Income Relief Payment, or some other financial support from Work and Income. Check out the Work and Income website or call on 0800 559 009
Information for Māori organisations
QR code posters
All workplaces and businesses, including social service providers, must display a NZ COVID-19 Tracer QR code poster. This will help with the contact tracing of people who enter your premises.
The COVID-19 website has instructions on how to get a QR code poster.
Guidance for event organisers
All events are also required to display a QR code. At Alert Level 1 there are no other legal requirements for event organisers, but there is a revised Event Sector Voluntary Code, to help with safe delivery of events.
Legislation updates
The Government has passed legislation to support Māori governance entities to operate through COVID-19. See this page on our website: COVID-19 Response Requirements for Entities – Modifications and Exemptions) Act. The provisions will be able to be applied by entities up to 30 November 2020.
Specialist support for Māori business
Government support through ERERE
Advice and information for all Māori businesses can be found on the ERERE site run by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Māori business support line
There’s a dedicated support line for Māori business, funded by government and run jointly by NZ Māori Tourism, the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA), the Poutama Trust and Māori Women’s Development Inc. More information on the Poutama website.
- Call 0800 4POUTAMA (0800 4768 8262)
Whenua-based sectors
Find information about support for whenua businesses on the Te Puni Kōkiri website.