September 14, 2021
More money for food as Auckland lockdown extended
The Government has committed a further $10 million to help people undergoing lockdown in Auckland access food and other essential items.
Auckland is staying at Alert Level 4 until next Tuesday, with Cabinet making an in-principle decision to then move it then to Alert Level 3.
The rest of New Zealand will stay at Alert Level 2 for another week.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says staying at higher alert levels remains the best option to stamp out delta and keep everyone safe.
Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says the latest infusion of funds will help providers and organisations distribute over 50,000 more food parcels, and 20,000 essential wellbeing packs.
Since the country was put into lockdown on August 17, a total of $69.31 million in additional funding has been provided by Government agencies.
She says the Pacific community in Auckland have made up over half of those having to self-isolate, resulting in entire support networks not being able to activate and mobilise.
Ngā Whare Waatea Marae has become the logistics centre for a Māori food security network, as marae and Māori organisations mobilise to distribute packages to whānau.