Christchurch lessons in cyclone mental healh response

Claudette Hauiti Christchurch lessons in cyclone mental healh response

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Health Minister Ayesha Verrall says the Government is looking at lessons learned from the Christchurch earthquakes to build resilience into hāpori affected by floods and Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year.

Providers are concerned at the effects on whānau mental health of the time it is taking to restore homes and communities.

She says Te Aka Whai Ora has been coordinating a Maori for Maori response, including addressing the trauma for whānau whose ūrupā were damaged, but more programmes need to be developed.

“We know from the Christchurch earthquakes that the main impact can be years down the track. At the moment the services we have in terms of access and choice are able to meet the demand but we know we need to build them in the coming years,” Minister Verrall says.

There are still about 40 whānau at Waipatu Marae near Hastings, six months after the cyclone tore through Te Matau a Maui and Tairawhiti.

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