CANTERBURY EARTHQUAKES
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013
RECOVERY TIMELINE To december 2012
September 2010
april 2012
§§ Magnitude 7.1 earthquake.
§§ Bereaved family support groups start.
june–august 2012 §§ 4,500 Winter Warmer packs distributed.
February 2011 §§ Magnitude 6.3 earthquake.
may 2012
june 2011
§§ National Disaster Response Team formed.
§§ 60,000 emergency grants distributed.
Cover Photo: Gary Baildon
CANTERBURY EARTHQUAKES
When you see one of these, scan with your smartphone to visit the web page.
page 4
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013
page 5
page 10
page 16
october 2012
december 2012
§§ First disaster welfare support truck completed.
§§ 42,000 torch radios distributed.
november 2012 §§ Address the Stress website launched.
july 2012 §§ More help for seriously injured.
Contents Sir John Hansen Quick Statistics Dr Jenny McMahon Grants recipients Open Grants Volunteers
2 2 3 4 6 10
Recovery Framework Frank Hardy Bereaved Families Trucks Address the Stress Financial Update
11 12 13 15 18 20
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
chair of new zealand red cross 2011 earthquake commission
Sir John Hansen It’s almost two years since the Earthquake Commission was set up specifically to disburse earthquake appeal money to those who need it most. In that time we have provided almost 100,000 people with grants of different kinds, and for many of them that support has been pivotal. On behalf of my colleagues on the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission I would like to say how proud I am of this achievement and how thrilled we all are with the success of the Red Cross Outreach programme which continues to touch and assist so many Christchurch citizens. Time and again we have been told that while the money was welcome so too is the care shown by our Outreach team, many of whom are volunteers who have themselves been affected by the quakes. The fact that such activities continue to be carried out in Christchurch on a voluntary basis speaks volumes of the volunteers, Red Cross and their combined commitment. It is understandable that, with the passage of time, people outside Canterbury or in its least affected areas may overlook the ongoing pain and suffering of many Christchurch citizens but Red Cross has not. Our Outreach programme continues to assist those in difficulties and remains a wonderful supplement to the work of the Commission as it winds down the fund.
Sir John Hansen Chair of the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission 2 | CONNECT CARE PREPARE
RECOVERY GROUP KEY STATISTICS AS AT 31 December 2012
128
95,708
$
million raised
grant recipients
82 million
3,141
$
in grants distributed
outreach contacts
$
6 million spent on
5,163
recovery programmes
door knocks
$
22 million – committed for open grants
$
4 million – committed
42,640
torch radios distributed
4,500 winter warmer
recovery programmes
packs distributed
14 million for new
91
$
grants and programmes
volunteers
Full financial table – page 20.
Red Cross Earthquake Commission Sir John Hansen (Chair) Roger Blair Barry Corbett
Lianne Dalziel Jane Huria Michael McEvedy
Paul Steere Jerry Talbot Nicky Wagner
New Zealand Red Cross would like to thank Commission members, who are all volunteers, for their valuable work
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
National president
Jenny mcMahon One of my first tasks when I took up the position as National President of New Zealand Red Cross in November 2012 was to visit our impressive Christchurch Recovery Team. I am very proud to be working with such a dedicated team of professionals who in turn are working with a small army of volunteers, to ensure people know about the various grants and services we can offer them, and that those in need of our assistance get it. In the past when I have worked with Red Cross on international missions it has been in the emergency response arena and in countries less developed than New Zealand. Christchurch is the first developed urban environment I have seen Red Cross operate within. Ours is in many ways a unique experience. We have had to be flexible and adaptable, base our programmes on evidence-based research and collaborate and share what we are learning with other organisations as we become, in effect, world leaders in this type of recovery. I would like to thank the many individuals and organisations that have supported Red Cross especially our amazing volunteers, who just like our staff have been affected personally by the
recovery manager
jane edgar
Jenny McMahon doing aid work in Eritrea in 1985.
earthquakes but continue to be there for others. Not one of these people requires or asks for thanks. That is the nature of being in the Red Cross family, but they should be assured we do see what they are doing, and we are admiring of everything they have achieved. I’d also like to send a big thanks to our sister National Societies who responded at the time of the fundraising and continue to provide welfare outreach to Cantabrians who have sought refuge in their areas.
Dr Jenny McMahon National President
On 22 February, 2011, I found myself on a boat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean travelling from the remote Northern Cook Island of Penrhyn back to my temporary home in Rarotonga. I had been working with the local Cook Island Red Cross and island communities looking at preparedness plans, disaster response plans and checking the stockpile of useful items stored in a container on the middle of the island, ready to be distributed in case of an emergency. When the brief radio updates started to come through I knew I needed to return to my battered home town. I spent the next month supporting New Zealand Red Cross on its emergency water distribution programme, working alongside City Care, Christchurch City Council and Civil Defence. The difference was that this time the disaster had struck my city. The people picking up the pieces and rebuilding their lives included my family, my friends and my community. I made the commitment to return at some stage in the future recovery. Fast forward 18 months and I now find myself taking over from outgoing National Recovery Manager, Elizabeth McNaughton and guiding a dedicated team of staff and volunteers into year three of the recovery journey. From international experience, the third year of recovery sees the impact of on-going prolonged stress. A major focus for the Red Cross Christchurch grants and recovery programmes will be on supporting people to create a buffer for this stress and its effects, and to focus on and protect the things in their life they value for their future. This support extends to ensuring the wellbeing of our committed staff and volunteers. It is good to be home.
The Christchurch grants and recovery team. Photo: David Wethey.
Jane Edgar Recovery Programme Manager CONNECT CARE PREPARE | 3
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
grants recipients
red cross ‘my guardian angels’ Jane is one of 23 worst injured survivors of the quakes, people with amputations, paralysis or serious crush injuries who spent months in hospital fighting for their lives.
Jane Taylor. Photo: David Wethey.
Jane Taylor nearly died when the shop she managed in Cashel Mall collapsed on top of her in the February earthquake. She survived after a series of reconstructive and spinal operations, three months in hospital and seven months of intensive rehabilitation.
Some, like Jane, received a $7,500 Red Cross Seriously Injured Grant soon after the February quake, but many missed the deadline for other Red Cross grants because they were in hospital or had more pressing priorities. So the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission reopened all grants to this group resulting in a second round of payouts of between $10,000 and $14,000. Red Cross and CERA then convened a multi-agency working group to review each individual’s needs, resulting in a third payout. When Jane left hospital she found that the home she and her husband
Shaun had rented for 14 years had to be demolished. The Red Cross grant covered substantial relocation costs, paid for new chairs which support her damaged neck and allowed them to wipe an outstanding family debt incurred when one of their sons was tragically killed in a car accident some years before. “We are free to spend the money on what we decide we need, which gives us a sense of security.” Jane and Shaun were amongst a group of seriously injured survivors to meet Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall during their visit to Christchurch. Jane calls Red Cross and the Outreach volunteers her “guardian angels” and says they’re part of her family now. “The assistance I have received from the Red Cross has made me feel like a real person again.”
Building Materials Grant Offsets Insurance Disaster On February 22, 2011, Dennis and Julie Jeffries found themselves in nightmare situation. Their home of 33 years, a beautiful 100-year-old kauri villa where they live with their two sons, and had been gradually and lovingly restoring, had been fully insured until four days before the February earthquake.
“Our insurance was due on the Friday and we’d arranged to pay the insurance company on Tuesday but the quake beat us to it by hours.” The fateful timing left them without EQC cover as well. “Three old chimneys had collapsed through the roof in the earthquake
and our foundations were damaged. We had big holes in the wall, there were bricks lying around everywhere, everything was dusty and we were facing a cold winter without heating,” says Dennis. Julie and Dennis, who is unable to work as he has multiple sclerosis, were devastated. They contacted the city council, EQC and the insurance company but “no one wanted to know us”. Then the Multiple Sclerosis Society told them about the Red Cross grants. “We had no money and no energy and we didn’t know where to turn. Thankfully the Red Cross came on board,” Julie says. The Jeffries have received a $9,000 Building Materials Grant along with other smaller grants like Winter Assistance.
Dennis and Julie Jeffries. Photo: David Wethey.
4 | CONNECT CARE PREPARE
“We’re so relieved. We’re going to be able to leave this lovely home to our kids after all.”
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
committed grants
Christchurch Schoolchildren’s Grant The New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission has distributed $82 million in grants to more than 95,000 people since the September 2010 and February 2011 earthquakes. While this support has been gratefully received, it is not widely known that some Red Cross grants will be open for years to come. Principal Les Gray, surrounded by pupils at Parkview Primary in east Christchurch, is looking forward to using the Christchurch Schoolchildren’s grant to help his students deal with earthquake related challenges.
View TVNZ’s news item on the Christchurch Schoolchildren’s Grant http://bit.ly/150BFvu
committed grant funding GRANT
AMOUNT $’000*
2010 Relocation Grant
291
2011 Building Materials grant
156
2011 Enhanced Water Filter Grant
255
2011 Independent Advice for Small Businesses grant
461
2011 Independent Advice Grant 2011 Targeted Moving Assistance Grant 2012 Bereavement Grant
3,196 258 50
2012 christchurch schoolchildren’s grant
9,300
2012 Disability Support Grant
2,252
2012 Essential Items Card
1,500
2012 Mobility Assistance Grant
200
2012 Physical Impairment Grant
172
2012 Seriously Injured – Case Review Project
185
2012 Seriously Injured – Open up for all Grants
180
2012 Storage for Renters Grant 2012 Storage Grant 2012 Winter Assistance Grant *Figures are rounded.
66 2,813 428
21,763
To enable those not yet in a position to apply for grants for reasons outside their control, the Earthquake Commission has allocated, or committed, funds for all open grants to ensure no one misses out. For example, many of the 28,000 people with homes on TC3 (Technical Category 3) land are eligible for grants such as Independent Advice Grant and Storage Grant, but have been unable to apply because they are still waiting for tests on their land to be completed. Others are still waiting on decisions from their insurance companies. These people have just as much right to Red Cross grants as those who have been able to move on much more quickly. Another example of why the Earthquake Commission has to ring-fence grants is the recently announced $9.3 million Christchurch Schoolchildren’s Grant. While schools have until the end of April 2013 to apply, they have two years to spend the money. Much planning and research work has gone into forecasting how many people are likely to take up each grant, and we look forward to being able to help these people in the years to come. CONNECT CARE PREPARE | 5
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
Open Grants as at 31/12/2012 DISBURSED TO DATE $’000*
TOTAL GRANTS TO DATE
UP TO $2,750 per household
639
240
10,000
1,815
182
Up to $10,000
344
49
UP TO $750 per household
1,130
1,553
UP TO $750 per BUSINESS
239
336
750 per DISABLED PERSON
5,047
6,754
100
**50
888
UP TO $1,000
64
105
UP TO $1,000
187
342
UP TO $300
500
3,573
Grant amount
2010 Relocation Grant (Waimak & Selwyn) To assist Waimak & Selwyn districts households in the green zone that have had to move out of and will be moving back into their earthquake damaged house.
2012 BEREAVEMENT GRANT part 2
$
A second round of assistance to immediate family members of those killed in the Canterbury earthquakes.
2011 BUILDING MATERIALS GRANT The provision of building materials to uninsured home owners, whose land has been zoned green, needing to repair their earthquake damaged homes.
2011 INDEPENDENT ADVICE GRANT To assist vulnerable homeowners to make an informed decision on their land or property. This grant could be used to obtain professional advice or reports which could include legal, financial, geotechnical or engineering.
2011 INDEPENDENT ADVICE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES grant To assist small and family owned businesses, with fewer than ten employees, who need financial assistance to access legal, accounting or engineers/building advice in relation to the effect of earthquakes on their business.
2012 DISABILITY SUPPORT GRANT
$
To support people with significant disabilities, and their carers, who are encountering considerable hardship in meeting disability-related needs and maintaining quality of life due to the effect of the earthquakes on physical infrastructure and access to services.
2012 MOBILITY ASSISTANCE GRANT
$
To assist people who suffer from mobility issues – resulting in them self-isolating.
2012 STORAGE FOR RENTERS GRANT To assist people who rent properties in the greater Christchurch area who have had to pay for storage for their belongings as a result of the earthquakes and have exhausted other financial assistance.
2012 STORAGE FOR HOMEOWNERS GRANT To assist homeowners who have had to vacate their damaged property and pay for storage for their belongings any time since 4 September 2010 and have exhausted other financial assistance.
2012 essential items card To assist Canterbury residents affected by the earthquakes and experiencing financial hardship, to purchase essential items through any of The Warehouse stores.
*Figures are rounded **Total cashed in to date 10,015 14,022
Closed Grants as at 31/12/2012 DISBURSED TO DATE $’000*
TOTAL GRANTS TO DATE
$
1,000 per household
3,961
1,679
$ 1,000 per household
3,190
1,453
2,000
140
72
Up to $1,000
4,827
5,024
Variable
102
73
500 per household
3,436
6,880
Grant amount
2010 DAMAGED HOME GRANT To assist people living in homes that have been badly damaged or are without sewerage or water services.
2010 EMERGENCY GRANT To assist those who have been displaced from their homes as a result of damage arising from the earthquake.
2010 FINANCIAL SUPPORT GRANT
$
To provide support for families who have lost a small business as a result of the earthquake.
2010 HARDSHIP GRANT To assist those who have suffered hardship as a result of the earthquake.
2010 SPECIAL GRANT Precursor to 2010 Hardship Grant.
2011 ALTERNATIVE SEWerAGE SYSTEM GRANT For households that have had to find alternatives to their flushing toilets at home for at least 90 days.
6 | CONNECT CARE PREPARE
$
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
Closed Grants as at 31/12/2012 (continued) Grant amount
DISBURSED TO DATE $’000*
TOTAL GRANTS TO DATE
10,000
1,865
186
250 per child
163
366
$ 500 per single person household
44,346
51,817
UP TO $5,000
225
61
7,500 per person
128
17
250 per school child affected
57
148
$
7,500 per PERSON
172
23
VARIABLE PER PERSON
408
23
VARIABLE PER PERSON
415
19
$ 1,000 PER HOMEOWNER
392
392
500 per school child affected
2,740
4,454
100 per month for four months
497
1,696
$ 100 per month for four months
292
977
100 per month for four months
187
673
$ 100 per month for four months
90
305
100 per month for four months (two payments)
4,172
5,348
2011 bereavement grant
$
For immediate family members of those killed in the Canterbury earthquakes.
2011 DISPLACED SCHOOL CHILDREN grant
$
(paid to primary caregiver)
To assist caregivers of school children who have moved from both their home and their school in the period immediately after the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
2011 EMERGENCY & HARDSHIP GRANT To provide immediate support for people without services for seven days or more, or forced to leave their damaged homes for seven days or more.
1,000 per household with two or more people $
2011 ENHANCED WATER FILTER GRANT To assist households whose domestic water supply comes from either a well or a bore and whose water quality deteriorated as a result of the earthquakes and who now need an enhanced water filter (EWF) in order to make their water potable.
2012 physical impairment GRANT
$
To assist people who have an on-going physical impairment from physical injury sustained in the Canterbury earthquakes and still receiving rehabilitation or medical treatment as at 23 July 2012 in relation to this physical injury.
2011 RELOCATED SCHOOL CHILDREN grant
$
To provide financial support to the caregivers of children who have been displaced from their usual residence, forcing them to move further than 3km away from their early childhood facility or school due to the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
(paid to the caregiver)
2011 SERIOUSLY INJURED GRANT To assist those who were most seriously injured by the earthquake on 22 February 2011.
2012 SERIOUSLY INJURED – OPEN UP FOR ALL GRANTS To assist those who were most seriously injured by the earthquake on 22 February 2011.
2011 SERIOUSLY INJURED – case review project This grant was provided to recipients of the Seriously Injured grant who opted to take part in a multi-agency review of their experience in accessing support services after the earthquake and their on-going support needs. A grant payment was made in recognition of their on-going needs.
2011 TARGETED MOVING ASSISTANCE GRANT To assist home owners whose residential properties have been issued with a Section 124 Building Act Notice by their council or a CERA Section 39(2)(c) or Section 45 notice.
2011 TEMPORARY SCHOOL GRANT
$
To provide financial support to the caregivers of children affected by their early childhood facility or school’s temporary closure due to the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
(paid to the caregiver)
2011 WINTER ASSISTANCE FOR THE ELDERLY GRANT To assist people aged 65 years or over, living in significantly damaged homes caused by the earthquakes.
$
(paid to the electricity retailer)
2011 WINTER ASSISTANCE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS grant To assist families with children aged under five, living in significantly damaged homes caused by the earthquakes.
(paid to the electricity retailer)
2011 WINTER ASSISTANCE FOR SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN grant To assist families with school aged children 5–18 years, living in significantly damaged homes caused by the earthquakes.
$
(paid to the electricity retailer)
2011 WINTER ASSISTANCE FOR PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS grant To assist people with pre-existing medical conditions, living in significantly damaged homes caused by the earthquakes.
(paid to the electricity retailer)
2012 WINTER ASSISTANCE GRANT
$
To assist vulnerable households who are living in homes significantly damaged by the earthquakes or, due to earthquake damage, have had to move into accommodation which is damp and/or difficult to heat.
(paid to the electricity retailer)
*Figures are rounded 71,805 81,686
CONNECT CARE PREPARE | 7
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
top ten grants by applicants
Total no. of applicants to Date
95,708 2011 Emergency & Hardship Grant 011 Alternative Sewerage 2 System Grant 2012 Disability Support Grant 2012 Winter Assistance Grant 2010 Hardship Grant 2011 Temporary School Grant 2011 Winter Assistance Grant 2012 Essential Items Card 2010 Damaged Homes Grant 2011 Independent Advice Grant All Other Grants
Top Ten Grants
No. of Applicants
No. of Applicants
2011 Displaced School Children grant
366
6,880
2012 Storage Grant
342
2012 Disability Support Grant
6,754
2011 Independent Advice for Small Businesses grant
336
4
2012 Winter Assistance Grant
5,348
2010 Relocation Grant
240
5
2010 Hardship Grant
5,024
2011 Bereavement Grant
186
6
2011 Temporary School Grant
4,454
2012 Bereavement Grant
182
7
2011 Winter Assistance Grant
3,651
2011 Relocated School Children grant
148
8
2012 Essential Items Card
3,573
2012 Storage for Renters Grant
105
9
2010 Damaged Home Grant
1,679
2010 Special Grant
73
10 2011 Independent Advice Grant
1,553
2010 Financial Support Grant
72
2011 Enhanced Water Filter Grant
61
2011 Building Materials grant
49
2012 Seriously Injured – Open up for all Grants
23
2011 Seriously Injured Grant
23
1
2011 Emergency & Hardship Grant
2
2011 Alternative Sewerage System Grant
3
Other Grants
2010 Emergency Grant
51,817
Other Grants (continued)
No. of Applicants
1,453
2012 Mobility Assistance Grant
888
2012 Seriously Injured – Case Review Project
19
2011 Targeted Moving Assistance Grant
392
2012 Physical Impairment Grant
17
8 | CONNECT CARE PREPARE
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
top ten grants by $$$
Total amount disbursed to Date
81,819,968
$
2011 Emergency & Hardship Grant 2012 Disability Support Grant 2010 Hardship Grant 2012 Winter Assistance Grant 2010 Damaged Home Grant 011 Alternative Sewerage 2 System Grant 2010 Emergency Grant 2011 Temporary School Grant 2011 Bereavement Grant 2012 Bereavement Grant All Other Grants
Top Ten Grants
paid out $’000*
paid out $’000*
2012 Essential Items Card
500
5,048
2012 Seriously Injured – Case Review Project
415
2010 Hardship Grant
4,827
2012 Seriously Injured – Open up for all Grants
408
4
2012 Winter Assistance Grant
4,172
2011 Targeted Moving Assistance Grant
392
5
2010 Damaged Home Grant
3,961
2011 Building Materials grant
344
6
2011 Alternative Sewerage System Grant
3,436
2011 Independent Advice for Small Businesses grant
239
7
2010 Emergency Grant
3,190
2011 Enhanced Water Filter Grant
225
8
2011 Temporary School Grant
2,740
2012 Storage Grant
187
9
2011 Bereavement Grant
1,865
2011 Seriously Injured Grant
173
10 2012 Bereavement Grant
1,815
2011 Displaced School Children grant
163
2010 Financial Support Grant
140
2012 Physical Impairment Grant
128
2010 Special Grant
102
1
2011 Emergency & Hardship Grant
2
2012 Disability Support Grant
3
Other Grants
44,346
Other Grants (continued)
paid out $’000*
2011 Independent Advice Grant
1,130
2012 Storage for Renters Grant
64
2011 Winter Assistance Grant
1,066
2011 Relocated School Children grant
57
2012 Mobility Assistance Grant
50
2010 Relocation Grant
*Figures are rounded.
639
CONNECT CARE PREPARE | 9
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
volunteers
giving back Audrey Susan was so grateful for the practical help she’s received from Red Cross over the last two years she decided to give something back by joining Red Cross as an Outreach volunteer. Originally from South Africa, the solo mother was living with her two sons, then aged 11 and 18, and a Brazilian international student, when the February earthquake left their Redcliffs home unliveable. They’ve had to move three times since. Initially she received a $250 grant for bus fares to get the boys to their new schools. “When I rang Red Cross to enquire about the grant they told me I also qualified for the $500 relocation grant for people who had lost their home. What a life saver that was.” Audrey and her boys stayed with friends for a while before finding a place to rent, but like many homes in Christchurch during that first bleak winter, it had no heating.
“Red Cross came to the rescue again. I got a Winter Assistance Grant which went straight to pay the power bill. It was such a help.” A friend who was already a Red Cross volunteer told her about the Outreach programme and Audrey jumped at the chance to help others in similar situations. She started out doing two days a week but, due to work commitments, it’s now down to one day but she’d like to do more. “Most people I deal with need financial assistance. Another volunteer and I visit them, help them assess their current and future situations, find out what support they may need and refer them to appropriate organisations. “If they qualify for our assistance we help them fill in the forms and generally try and make the whole process easy. We can help some people on the spot with, for example, taxi vouchers for those with mobility problems.” Audrey loves meeting people and says she can relate to most. “Today for example I visited a young woman with three kids who needed
Audrey Susan on the job. Photo: David Wethey.
help to buy school uniforms and stationery then I visited a 94-year-old lady who didn’t want anything from us but really needed a chat. “Their experience of this event may have been different to mine but we’ve all been through something extraordinary and I understand where they’re coming from.”
heroism recognised Christchurch National Disaster Response Team member Craig Titheridge has been awarded a Christchurch Earthquake Award for service to the community. The award, recognising Craig as an earthquake hero, was presented by Mayor Bob Parker at a special ceremony in December last year. Craig was working at ArmstrongSubaru in central Christchurch when the February 22 earthquake struck. He and his car workshop co-workers were among the first to get to the crushed buses on Colombo Street.
Craig Titheridge and his award. Photo: David Wethey.
10 | CONNECT CARE PREPARE
Craig helped pull three people out, only one of whom survived. He then went through the city freeing people from buildings.
In the days that followed Craig borrowed a four-wheel-drive and distributed food and water to those in need. He also welcomed complete strangers into his own home. The experience inspired him to join Red Cross and soon after he passed rigorous trials to become part of the NDRT made up of about 50 volunteers from around the country. “I am stoked I got in, it was my goal from the beginning. I’m not afraid of anything – I’ve seen the worst,” says Craig.
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
recovery framework
Pillar 1
Pillar 2
Pillar 3
Pillar 4
Care in the Community
Disaster Preparedness
Disaster Response
Disaster Displaced
Additional and enhanced Red Cross community programmes
Delivery of community disaster preparedness programme
Strengthen our disaster response capacity
Assist and connect with displaced persons utilising our network
The New Zealand Red Cross recovery framework is based on the four pillars above, and was developed with lessons learned from other international disasters in mind.
Our team has grown substantially in the last two years, and we hope to continue to help Canterbury residents with their recovery for three more years.
We will continue to base our programmes on evidence based research and what the community tells us it needs, and are committed to sharing what we have learnt with the world.
New Zealand Red Cross wins two international awards The New Zealand Red Cross recovery programme has won two major awards from the International Association of Emergency Managers (Oceania region) for two Canterbury initiatives. The first is the Partners in Preparedness award which the IAEM has awarded to New Zealand Red Cross for its torch radio outreach programme. Since February 2011 New Zealand Red Cross has distributed
more than 42,000 torch radios to schoolchildren, the elderly, people with disabilities, migrants and refugees and at community events. New Zealand Red Cross has also won the IAEM (Oceania region) Public Awareness Award for its recovery communications programme, alerting people in Canterbury to the help they can still access from New Zealand Red Cross.
To see the video created especially for the awards go to http://bit.ly/150BSyH
New Zealand Red Cross Communications Manager Corinne Ambler with the Public Awareness Award.
CONNECT CARE PREPARE | 11
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
1
pillar 1 – care in the community The Red Cross parcels reminded him and his fellow prisoners they had not been forgotten, and sometimes among the tea, sugar, and milk powder there would be surreptitious notes of encouragement from whoever packed the parcel. Seven decades later 91-year-old Frank was once again the recipient of Red Cross assistance. After the earthquakes he and his wife Ann received two grants allowing them to travel to Whangarei to stay with their daughter for a month, giving them respite from the chaos of postearthquake life.
Photo: David Wethey.
frank hardy During World War II, Frank Hardy spent four years in a German prisoner of war camp, an ordeal made bearable by the regular arrival of Red Cross parcels. “They turned despair into tolerance.”
And now, after losing his wife last year, Frank gets regular meals on wheels through Red Cross. Recently he wrote to us to say thank you. “At very critical points in my life the Red Cross has cropped up. God bless the Red Cross and everyone involved in furthering your work in meeting the demands of the world. Long may it continue. Our appreciation is unbounded. Thank you.”
Outreach volunteer Rosemary Fisher delivering Winter Warmer Packs to cold Christchurch residents. Photo: David Wethey.
winter warmer packs round 2 Winter Warmer packs for cold Cantabrians last year were so popular New Zealand Red Cross had to urgently source a second round – a total of 4,500 was eventually distributed. The first distribution of 500 packs in June was snapped up quickly and hundreds of volunteers had to pitch in to put together and distribute another 4,000 packs in a hurry.
Frank and late wife Ann.
Project leader Colleen Ruru says she was touched by the humanity she saw during the project as volunteers from Red Cross, the Student Army, Lions Club, Canterbury University and various schools worked together. “It was an amazing project that really brought out the best in the Canterbury community and highlighted the support people had for each other.”
Frank in 1938.
Frank and fellow prisoners with their Red Cross parcel.
See TVNZ’s Close Up story on Frank at http://bit.ly/TDWcSt
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She says people were picking up packs for those they knew were sleeping rough and Red Cross also gave them to people sleeping in cars. “A policeman even came in to get one for a man he knew was sleeping under a bridge.”
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
1
pillar 1 continued
Essential Items Card a ‘Ray of Sunshine’ Like many people who have always been able to support themselves and their families financially, Jenefer and Damien Bimler were left in a position they could never have imagined after the Christchurch earthquakes. They had just bought their first home in Avonside when the September quake made a mess of it but it was able to be fixed. They lost power in the February quake and received a $250 grant towards a power generator. By then Jenefer was heavily pregnant with twins and then her badly damaged house was red zoned and deemed a writeoff. They had to find a new home fast, managed to get a section in a new subdivision and began the building process, but their income had been slashed, costs were mounting and two healthy babies needed things that just couldn’t wait. “Red Cross give us so much help. We got an Independent Advice Grant to help with legal fees, a $500 storage grant, and last but not least, we’ve
Jenefer Bimler and her twins, 18 month old Maximus (left) and Lars (right).
been the grateful recipients of two $100 essential items cards. ”The essential items card has been wonderful. You can plan for the big things but when you’re a new mum it’s the little things that you may have forgotten that loom large. Knowing I can pop out and get them thanks to the essential items card is a huge boost,” she said. The essential items cards are distributed
by Red Cross and 30 other agencies. One of them, Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka, has already distributed more than 520 cards since they became available in November. Regional coordinator, Tanya Hay says handing her client a card brightens their day. “The families we see are facing a lot of challenges and it’s great to be able to offer them something positive. It’s a ray of sunshine.”
Retreat for bereaved families Around 100 family members of those killed in the Canterbury earthquakes attended a weekend retreat on Banks Peninsula in September. New Zealand Red Cross organised the weekend to give bereaved families a chance to spend time with others who knew what they were going through. The retreat also gave them a chance to get out of town and have a break. Children had fun rides, music sessions, a swimming pool, farm animals and tree climbing, while parents enjoyed massages and other activities. Organiser Jolie Wills says it was wonderful to see connections made between people.
Comments from attendees included: “There was an incredible community spirit here,” “The setting was so peaceful,” and “It’s good to be with people who understand.” Red Cross has since employed a bereaved support coordinator Julie Gaudin. Her role is to support those whose loved ones died in the earthquake by organising regular support groups, retreats and sessions with experts who can help them deal with their loss. Julie says the best part of her job is working for an organisation that people in Canterbury like and respect. The next retreat for bereaved families is being held in March.
Bereaved family member has quiet time.
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RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
2
pillar 2 – disaster preparedness
Award winning torch radio programme The New Zealand Red Cross torch radio programme has now distributed 42,640 of these useful preparedness items throughout Christchurch. The programme has recently been awarded the 2012 IAEM Partners in Preparedness Award for the Oceania region. The torch radios are accompanied by emergency preparedness information from the Ministry of Civil Defence. The packs are put together by a diverse group of volunteers, including people from SkillWise, a group which helps adults with intellectual disabilities find work.
A member of the Bhutanese community reaches for torch radio instructions written in Sanskrit.
refugees and migrants and council housing tenants.
radio programme, working closely with the Christchurch City Council.
The torch radio is wind-up and solar powered. It provides people with light and access to urgent messages and forms a crucial component of a household’s emergency survival kit. It can also be used to charge a cellphone.
She says she enjoys working with people from a wide range of backgrounds and having an ongoing positive influence in the Christchurch community.
Melissa Benson-Chan is the Community Recovery Coordinator based in Christchurch and she oversees the torch
They are then distributed through preparedness presentations to schools, elderly, people with disabilities, former
New Zealand Red Cross would like to thank Goldman Sachs and the Coca-Cola foundation for making the programme possible.
See TVNZ’s news item on schoolchildren receiving torch radios here http://bit.ly/15ob50D
torch radio distribution as at 31 December 2012
Torch radios distributed
42,640 17,446
Primary School Children
8,607
elderly people people with disabilities & medical conditions refugees and migrants
2,018 1,995 5,331
community groups and events outreach
931 6,312
DISTRIBUTED during the emergency response
3,000
14 | CONNECT CARE PREPARE
6,000
9,000
12,000
15,000
18,000
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
3
pillar 3 – disaster response
Auckland DWST volunteers with equipment from the trucks.
Setting up the awning on the first disaster welfare support truck. Photo: Gary Baildon.
They will be based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin but can travel to wherever they are needed. The first two trucks are based in Wellington and Dunedin and the other three trucks are currently being built.
Red Cross invests in new disaster welfare support trucks
A third of the world’s natural disasters occurred in the Asia Pacific region in 2011 including the Christchurch earthquakes, floods in Australia and the triple disaster impacting Japan.
New Zealand Red Cross has built five brand new, specially designed disaster welfare support trucks.
“Disasters can strike quickly and without warning and we have learnt from Christchurch that it is critical we prepare,” says Mr McKie.
The multi-million dollar investment is seen as an important step towards increased disaster preparedness in New Zealand. “This is a big step up for us. These five new trucks are taking Red Cross up to another level,” says New Zealand Red Cross International Operations and Emergencies Manager Andrew McKie. The first truck was unveiled in Auckland late last year. “The launch went really well. The volunteers there were really enthusiastic about the trucks. TV One and TV 3 as well as many other media attended,” says Mr McKie.
mass casualty triage and pre-hospital emergency first aid support if needed. “The pods can be wheeled out into an evacuation centre and set up immediately. These trucks show we are serious about what we do. If you give people the right tools and something to be proud of we are likely to attract a lot more volunteers.” Six staff and volunteers can travel in the cabs of the trucks.
“Due to our location New Zealand is vulnerable to a range of natural hazards, and climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of these hazards. New Zealand Red Cross is now more prepared than ever to respond.” The new trucks are an investment of about $1.5 million, funded from donations from other Red Cross National Societies.
See TVNZ’s coverage on the rollout of our emergency response trucks here http://bit.ly/15obcct
He says the trucks are ‘one stop shops’ containing welfare centre equipment. They each have four removable pods containing welfare centre set-up equipment including stretchers, mattresses and blankets for 140 people, basic food and toiletries for volunteers for a couple of days, medical supplies, lighting and communication sets, mass casualty triage, and first aid and medical equipment. The trucks also provide room for emergency personnel to perform
Our new disaster welfare support truck was a hit at the Canterbury A&P Show in November.
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RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
4
pillar 4 – disaster displaced
Former Christchurch resident Shelley Bennett. Photo: Australian Red Cross.
help for Earthquake survivors living in Australia A special recovery session for former residents of Christchurch now living in Australia has been held in Victoria, and New Zealanders attending say it’s been a huge help. Since the devastating earthquakes hit New Zealand more than 11,000 residents from the Canterbury region have moved to Australia. Kate Brady, National Recovery Coordinator at Australian Red Cross says the recovery journey is a long and difficult one regardless of whether people remain in New Zealand or have moved elsewhere. “While the initial shock and confusion of the disaster will now have subsided, for some people feelings of stress, grief, anger and frustration will continue for several years. Anecdotally we have been hearing that there is a need among expatriate Kiwis living in Australia for a recovery service like this,” says Ms Brady. The free recovery information session 16 | CONNECT CARE PREPARE
Former Christchurch resident Shelley Bennett says more than 20 former Christchurch people turned up to the event.
“I was able to take ideas and concepts away from the meeting that almost instantly helped me to continue my recovery journey. I immediately felt more relaxed and at ease and was able to let go of my residual guilt I felt about my family left behind in Christchurch. I would recommend the recovery meetings to all, even those who feel they have little to gain. I gained so much more than I expected from the meeting I went to,” says Shelley.
“The meeting was extremely useful for me. I met some great people, both earthquake survivors now relocated to Victoria as well as professionals such as psychologists, all of whom were able to lend a sympathetic ear and help me put my experiences and feelings into perspective,” she says.
“This recovery session is a unique approach that acknowledges the reality that people often migrate either temporarily or permanently, away from a disaster zone. While they may leave the affected area, they take the challenges of recovery with them,” says Ms Brady.
for earthquake survivors took place at the end of October, and included presentations by experts including Red Cross Consultant Psychologist Dr Rob Gordon. They explained how disasters affect people and communities and discussed ways survivors could look after themselves and their loved ones.
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
visitors from overseas Camilla and some of the Kaiapoi ladies were still buzzing five days later,” says Canterbury area manager Carol Ball. Prince Charles and the Duchess also privately met with a group of people seriously injured in the earthquakes, along with Red Cross staff working with this group. The royal family has a long association with the Red Cross Movement and Prince Charles has been president of the British Red Cross since 2003. The Prince of Wales meets Red Cross Outreach volunteer Allan Wills.
Volunteers meet the Royals Ten long-serving New Zealand Red Cross volunteers have been rewarded by being selected to meet The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall on their recent visit to Christchurch.
by Response volunteers Jess FaggBanfield, Alistair Fagg-Banfield and Christian Ruegg, and Kaiapoi branch members Lorraine Waters, Athalie Lyon and Maureen Wells.
Outreach volunteers Allan Wills, Maria Gerathy, Chrissie Chan and Dianne Messenger were joined
“The older volunteers in particular felt very honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to meet Charles and
The Duchess of Cornwall meets Red Cross volunteers.
rob’s tips Here are some of Dr Rob’s tips for coping with the on-going effects of a disaster. 1. A fast recovery is not necessarily a good recovery. Pace yourself and focus on things that give your life value and meaning e.g relationships, family, recreational activities, your health or your career.
In October, more than 300 people attended community forums in Kaiapoi and Brighton to listen to Dr Rob Gordon (pictured), a visiting Australian specialist in disaster psychology who has supported people affected by more than 30 disasters. One participant summed up the reaction of many when he said, “Things make a lot more sense now. Rob Gordon tells it like it is”.
2. Take time to assess your energy levels. If you are feeling tired or stressed consider ways you can recharge your battery. Maybe you could get away for a weekend or take a walk, listen to music, or talk to friends – you decide how best to take care of yourself. 3. Ensure you maintain control of your own recovery by identifying, and focusing, on the things you can control. It’s ok to acknowledge things beyond your control but try not to focus on them.
4. Ask yourself: “What am I not doing that I used to do? How do I maintain the quality of my life during this long, and at times difficult, recovery period?” 5. Maintain your established daily or weekly routines, or if necessary create temporary ones during the recovery period. Established routines protect us from uncertainty and constant change. 6. Deal with small problems before they become bigger. Don’t let things slip, or postpone them till after it is all ‘back to normal’. Recovery means finding a new normal and it needs to include what is valuable and important to you. To see the video of Dr Rob’s Christchurch forum go to http://bit.ly/VrowJ5
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RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
address the stress congratulations
Red Cross response volunteer, 16-year-old Mikaela Ruegg, staffs a stall to promote the new youth website “Address The Stress”.
New Address the Stress website a hit New Zealand Red Cross has launched a brand new website to help young people deal with the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes. The site www.addressthestress.co.nz provides video messages from some of New Zealand’s top sports heroes, musicians, comedians and actors as well as young Cantabrians and experts in trauma recovery. New Zealand Red Cross says it saw a gap with regard to young people accessing trauma recovery resources. The site aims to give Canterbury teenagers the coping skills to get them through uncertain times. “Address the Stress reassures young people that what they are feeling is normal. This is a responsive site where young people can leave advice for their peers on how to cope with tough times and see what music choices celebrities use to get them through. There is nothing similar in the digital landscape at this time,” says New Zealand Red Cross Chief Executive John Ware. 18 | CONNECT CARE PREPARE
Congratulations to 14-year-old Jayden Crofts, from Halswell, who is the first winner of the “Address The Stress” iPhone competition. Jayden’s a huge rugby fan so he was stoked to win a phone that’s been touched by Dan Carter. Mum Keryl says he probably won’t wash his hands for a while! Jayden’s tip for getting through tough times is “friends and family”. Another iPhone will be given away in March.
To attract young people to the site a competition for an iPhone used by celebrities to record their messages was held before Christmas and drew a huge response from teens in the region. The iPhone was won by 14-year-old Jayden Crofts from Halswell. Another iPhone that has been up and down the country collecting tips from celebrities like Cliff Curtis and Jono and Ben, is being given away in March. Address the Stress has enjoyed massive support from many high profile New Zealanders such as All Black Dan Carter, Olympic gold medallist Mahe Drysdale and Canterbury cult figure Flat Man who have all provided messages on the site for free. “While it is for young people dealing with the Canterbury quakes the advice
Local superhero, Flat Man explains what inspires him to “be a bruv and share the love”, on our youth orientated “Address The Stress” website. www.addressthestress.co.nz/videos/flatman
contained on it can be applied to any natural disaster,” says Mr Ware. In its first two weeks the site attracted more than 3,000 visits and the average visit lasted around 6 minutes. It has now had almost 16,000 visits. Most popular videos have been Dan Carter, Dai Henwood, Lukasz Buda, Pua Magasiva and Mike Fabulous. Red Cross has promoted the site at stalls in Christchurch malls and at the Canterbury A&P show. View the promotional video about the website here http://bit.ly/11PwII9
‘Hang out with friends’ is the sage advice from comedians, and good mates, Jono and Ben who share useful tips for dealing with stress on our new website www.addressthestress.co.nz/videos/ben-and-jono
Address the Stress website http://bit.ly/XHQrkL
RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
recovery communications The Year aheadin canterbury
JOHN WARE New Zealand Red Cross remains committed to supporting the people of Christchurch as they face the personal and collective challenges of this, the third year of recovery. I am particularly proud of the work we have been doing with young people, notably the “Address the Stress” website. We will also be helping thousands of young people in the greater Christchurch area with the upcoming Christchurch Schoolchildren’s Grant, which we hope will foster resilience and positivity amongst the city’s young people. As well as those two initiatives, we have just launched our Pack and Move programme, which provides help for those who’ve had to move because of the earthquakes. And later in the year we hope to repeat our successful Winter Warmer Packs and announce some exciting transport initiatives. Of course none of this would be possible without our dedicated recovery staff and volunteers, and those who generously donated to New Zealand’s biggest peacetime appeal. To all of you, thank you.
John Ware New Zealand Red Cross Chief Executive
Red Cross people – hopes for Christchurch in the coming year Dave Ash Grants Case Coordinator
I hope our city and communities stay strong, and we encourage one another to achieve our goals, to be proud of our recovery and to look forward with positivity and hope.
Julie Gaudin Bereaved Support Coordinator
My hope is that we can all find something that makes us smile each day. A flower, a fluffy cloud, a carpark in just the right place... I would like to take the time to notice the little things.
Chris Lawrence
Recovery Accountant
I hope the people of Christchurch will take full advantage of the grants and services we can offer thanks in large part to the generosity of the people of New Zealand who contributed to the Red Cross Earthquake Fund.
Christine Haywood
Grants Manager
I hope all Cantabrians are enabled into a space where they face each new day with enthusiasm for the positive changes happening.
Gagandeep Singh Essential Items Card Programme Coordinator
I am hoping that Christchurch will be among the most exciting cities in the world and believe that our contributions so far are already making amazing headway towards this goal.
Pamela Phelan
Outreach Volunteer
I hope that Christchurch folk maintain and build on their relationships and community connections, as much support and patience will be needed as we approach our 2-year anniversary, with many people still struggling emotionally and facing uncertainty.
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RECOVERY UPDATE february 2013 // O800 4 OUTREACH
financial update – new zealand red cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal Partner National Society Report for the period ended 31 december 2012
Reporting Currency New Zealand Dollars ($NZD) Public, Corporate & Govt
Partner National Societies
Tagged Corporates
Total
$’000
$’000
$’000
$’000
101,078
25,120
1,460
127,658
78,220
3,600
–
81,820
RESPONSE AND RELIEF
–
1,578
–
1,578
RECOVERY PROGRAMmeS
–
1,725
579
2,304
RECOVERY PILLAR 1: COMMUNITY OUTREACH
–
521
–
521
RECOVERY PILLAR 2: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
–
43
881
924
RECOVERY PILLAR 3: STRENGTHEN OUR DISASTER RESPONSE CAPABILITY
–
435
–
435
Total Expenditure
78,220
7,902
1,460
87,582
remaining funds
22,858
17,218
–
40,076
contributions and interest earned Expenditure CASH GRANTS
Partner National Society Contributions
Total $’000
AMERICAN RED CROSS
1,035
AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS
9,716
BRITISH RED CROSS
4,449
CANADIAN RED CROSS
520
COOK ISLANDS RED CROSS
41
FRENCH RED CROSS
95
GERMAN RED CROSS
18
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION NEW YORK
126
IRISH RED CROSS
62
JAPANESE RED CROSS
* 8,129
KOREAN RED CROSS
9
MICRONESIAN RED CROSS
46
RED CROSS SOCIETY OF CHINA – HONG KONG
92
RED CROSS SOCIETY OF CHINA – TAIWAN
35
SAMOAN RED CROSS
35
SINGAPOREAN RED CROSS
114
SWEDISH RED CROSS
** 17
TONGAN RED CROSS
12
interest earned
569
Total Partner National Society Contributions
25,120
20 | CONNECT CARE PREPARE *Received May 2012 ** Received June 2012
CONNECT CARE PREPARE 0800 4 OUTREACH  0800 468 873 National Office, PO Box 12140, 69 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6144 phone 04 471 8250 | email national@redcross.org.nz | website www.redcross.org.nz