Government's Emergency Helpline open 24 hours over the weekend for people affected by recent storms.

Emergency assistance is available to people who have been affected by the recent extreme weather events in New Plymouth, Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel.

This includes residents living in the Rodney district, north of Auckland who may still be without power after the storm earlier this week.

The Government has set up an Emergency Response helpline 0800 779 997 to tell people what government assistance is available. So far 564 calls have been made to helpline since it was activated three days ago.

The helpline provides information and access to services such as financial assistance, clean up assistance, stress and trauma counselling, location of welfare centres and emergency accommodation.

For people needing hot food or washing facilities, welfare centres will be open this weekend and people can find out where these are by ringing the helpline.

The Ministry of Social Development, through Work and Income can help with the costs of essential items and emergency accommodation.

This includes food, clothing and the replacement or repair of essential household items such as fridges, washing machines, septic tanks and bedding.

People who billeted evacuees including hotels and motels can also apply for reimbursement through Work and Income.

You do not have to be a Work and Income client to get assistance.

Agencies coordinating recovery assistance include Ministry of Social Development, Salvation Army, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Inland Revenue, NZ Red Cross, Victim Support, St Johns, Ministry of Health, Housing NZ, Te Puni Kokiri and Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.'

ENDS

© Scoop Media