The government has approved a further $30 million to help meet immediate welfare and food needs due to Covid-19.
Peeni Henare Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
The money will help bolster the delivery of food and welfare assistance by local authorities and Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups.
Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare said the government was committed to meeting the urgent need out there.
"This additional funding will ensure local authorities and CDEM Groups will be well placed to increase immediate Covid-19 related welfare support needs through multiple channels", he said.
The funding will also provide upfront funding to or reimbursement of local food banks and other welfare providers to enable them to provide food and other essential household items to people who contact them directly.
It will also help to fund emergency accommodation until temporary accommodation can be arranged through MBIE's Temporary Accommodation Service or other arrangements.
The funding is in addition to an initial $27 million investment announced last month, to assist NGOs and community groups to deliver services and support to vulnerable groups during the level 4 lockdown.
"Moving to alert level 3 next Tuesday is the best decision for lives and livelihoods and New Zealanders have helped us get there. In turn, we will support those who need assistance," Henare said.