COVID-19

Please check this page regularly, as information may change.

Last update: 3:04pm 25.01.2022

RED - What you need to know

Effective December 2 2021, the traffic light system (COVID-19 Protection Framework) is in place to protect Aotearoa.

Canterbury is currently at RED.

During all traffic light settings, My Vaccine Pass is not required for access to essential health care.

Purapura Whetu continues to operate under RED as below.

We are accepting new referrals.
Our sites at 166 St Asaph Street and the Phillipstown Community Hub are open, as well as our Māui Clinic (see below).
Some group programmes and face to face sessions have been modified or remain cancelled until further notice. Please check back for updates.
Our staff can support whānau via face to face, phone, and video calling.
Our free helpline 0800 4 WHETU is available Mon to Fri 8:30am-4:30pm.

If you visit our sites, please follow these guidelines.

Stay at home if you are unwell and get advice from your GP or Healthline about having a test.
Scan in and sign in and out of our sites.
Wear a face covering.
Keep 2 metres apart from others.
Practice good hygiene - wash your hands regularly, cough and sneeze into your elbow.

For more information about COVID-19, traffic lights, My Vaccine Pass, testing, and vaccinations, please visit:

Other support services available

Agencies you can contact for assistance

Many families may still find it tough in Alert Level 2. Here are some other agencies you can contact for assistance.

For people with disabilities or autism and their support people, the Explore 0800 000 421 phone service is available to provide advice or support. This includes advice or support around challenging behaviours. To access this service, you don't need a referral and it doesn't matter whether you're new to Explore, currently on their waitlist or you've worked with them previously. The service is available Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm. When you phone the 0800 number, you will be connected with an administrator who will then book you an appointment with one of the specialists.

If you or anyone you know wants some advice or support over this time, here are some further options that might be useful.

Support services that remain open:

• Women’s Refuge 0800REFUGE or 0800 733 843
• Shine 0508 744 633
• Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797
• Oranga Tamariki call centre 0508FAMILY
• CADS 0800 367 222
• Narcotics Anonymous 0800 628 632
• Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 229 6757
• Lifeline 0800 543 354 or free text 4357
• Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• Outline (LGBT) 0800 688 5463
• Depression Helpline 0800 111 757
• Suicide Prevention Helpline 0508 828 865
• The Fono West (Social Services) 09 837 1780
• Counselling Free Call or Text 1737
• Healthline for COVID-19 health advice: 0800 358 5453Work and Income services centres are closed. However, you can apply for assistance via MyMSD or phone the contact centre on 0800 559 009.

If you need some assistance with food, these food banks may be able to help. Call first for instructions of how they are operating to ensure physical distancing:

• Christchurch City Mission (City) 0800 787 855
• Food Bank Canterbury (General Enquiries) 03 930 1065
• The Salvation Army (CBD Christchurch) (03) 366 0740
• St Vincent de Paul (Christchurch City) 03 389 7484
• 0800 Hungry Ministries Trust (Christchurch)
• Delta Trust (Richmond) 08002DELTA

If you know someone who needs financial assistance, please tell them to call the free government helpline 0800 779 997 (8am–1am, seven days a week).

If you know someone is feeling anxious, frustrated or needs a listening ear, they can call or text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor. It is free 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Māui Clinic @ South City

COVID-19 Vaccine Centre

To make a booking for you and your whānau to be vaccinated against COVID-19, book online at:

bookmyvaccine.covid19.health.nz

The clinic is located in South City Shopping Centre, Shop 15, 555 Colombo Street, Christchurch.

Māui Clinic @ South City is a collaboration between Purapura Whetu, He Waka Tapu and the CDHB (Canterbury District Health Board).

Stories from the community

Memphis & Brooklyn

Memphis and Brooklyn recently received their 2nd COVID 19 vaccination at the Maui clinic in South City, the boys chose to get the vaccination so they could feel safer and hopefully avoid another lockdown. They initially felt a little anxious about receiving their second shots, but found the process smooth and the experience positive.

Wendy

Wendy chose to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at a marae clinic to help protect her whānau, and explains what the vaccination experience was like for her.

Trish

Trish got vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect herself as a vulnerable person living with asthma, and those she comes into contact with through her everyday work.