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Whaikaha Ministry of Disabled People

Extreme Weather: Where to go for help

Updated 03 August 2023

On this page you will find information on:

Where to get help

If your life, health or property are in danger please call 111 immediately. If you are registered you can do this via the 111 text line. 

For up to date information on current emergencies across New Zealand visit the Civil Defence Website external URL  and Civil Defence Facebook page external URL  You can also find local information through your local Civil Defence Group external URL . 

Follow the MetService website external URL  or MetService Facebook page external URL  for the latest weather updates. 

Deaf, disabled people and whānau can contact the Disability Helpline, 24 hours 7 days a week, if you need support, text 8988 or call 0800 11 12 13

The Disability Helpline team can also help with: 

  • COVID-19 and any other general health concerns you have 
  • if a support worker/carer is unavailable or hasn’t arrived 
  • and to help right now, they can connect you with information and support about the recent severe weather and flooding. 

If you need welfare assistance please call Work and Income on 0800 400 100 

If you are receiving Ministry funded support and services and would like additional support during this time, please contact your provider in the first instance. 

You can also contact Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People by emailing contact@whaikaha.govt.nz 

Accessible information for emergencies

Get Ready external URL  has accessible formats including Large Print, audio and NZSL of information on the following:

Power outages 

If you depend on power for medical equipment, life support, or medicine, this is what you need to do: 

  • Contact your power company and let them know. 
  • Contact your local civil defence centre external URL for support. 
  • If you are in danger, please contact emergency services immediately. Call 111. If registered, you can do this via the 111 text line. 

As power begins to come back on, it’s important to stay safe and protect yourself from potential fire hazards. Switch off all light switches, power outlets and cooking appliances in a power cut and check for any damage before you switch things back on.

Wellbeing and mental health 

During natural disasters and times of uncertainty it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, distressed, and uneasy. Support is available, so please reach out if you or your whānau need it.

A range of services are available to help support your mental health and wellbeing:

  • Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
  • Call the Depression Helpline at 0800 111 757 or text 4204 to talk to a trained counsellor
  • Contact YouthLine by calling 0800 376 633, text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
  • The Lowdown is a text support service at 5626 for young people to help recognise and understand depression or anxiety
  • Call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for health advice and information

Support for disabled people affected by North Island weather events

The Ministry of Social Development website includes information on a range of support and funding which can assist disabled people and their whānau: 2023 North Island weather events recovery - Ministry of Social Development  external URL