The government is providing more support for people isolating with Covid-19.
File image. Photo: 123RF
It is funding almost 200 more workers - known as community connectors - to help vulnerable whānau access what they need, bringing the total of people in the job to 500.
More money is also being put into foodbanks.
Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni said the boost in support recognised the need to adapt to the model of Care in the Community.
"In recent weeks we have seen an over 60 percent increase in people with no existing MSD relationship needing support, so it's timely for us to be increasing the welfare support provided through the Care in Community approach ... with more cases every day we know the number of whānau needing support will only increase.
"While the vast majority of people who have to self-isolate will not require support, we know for some whānau this will be a difficult time and that there will be need for extra assistance."
Food continued to be the most identified need for people isolating and was the most requested hardship grant provided by MSD, making up 67 percent of all grants, Sepuloni said, hence the extra money for foodbanks.
The cost of creating the new roles was not provided.
Te Puea Marae chair Hurimoana Dennis said an extra $85 million of funding for foodbanks will help ease the stress for whānau having to isolate with Covid-19, but it is unlikely to be enough.
The money is part of the $140m package to support people isolating with the virus.
Dennis said with cases skyrocketing, any extra money and workers are welcome as they are under great pressure.
He said he expects more might be needed if case numbers continue to grow.