Help and support
Last updated: Monday 4 April, 11.59pm
In alignment with the COVID-19 Protection Framework, at each traffic light setting there will be different restrictions on where we can go. But there are also everyday things that everyone can do. You can meet friends and whānau inside and outside, go shopping, access healthcare, attend school and travel.
Being vaccinated will give you greater protection.
For more information about the traffic light system, visit the Government's Covid-19 website.
What's on this page
COVID-19 symptoms
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, please call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or call your local GP for advice. You can find information on symptoms on covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-symptoms.
Health emergencies
If you need to visit the Emergency Department, please don’t hesitate. There are processes in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19 through healthcare facilities, and you don't need to worry that there isn’t capacity. Your health remains important and it’s vital you seek care when you need it, just as you usually would.
Other health issues
If you need to visit your local doctor for another health reason, please contact your local GP for advice.
Food
If you need help getting food for you and your whānau, there are support services in Kapiti ready to help, whatever your situation.
Please call the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) on 0800 559 009 to see if you're eligible for an additional food benefit from MSD Grant Funding.
If you’re struggling to afford food, get in touch with one of these organisations to arrange food support:
- Kapiti Foodbank – 10am–12 noon, Monday to Friday, pickups only, 04 298 1907
- Ōtaki Foodbank – 9am–12 noon, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 06 364 0051
- Salvation Army – open for social service and basic food needs, 04 297 1436
- Age Concern New Zealand – 0800 652 105.
Accommodation
Emergency accommodation
If you need emergency accommodation, call the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) on 0800 559 009. Please have your MSD number ready if you have one.
Financial support
If you’re struggling to afford food, pay rent or other bills because your income has been affected by COVID-19, or you've been asked to self-isolate and can't work from home, you may be eligible for financial support.
Use the COVID-19 financial support tool to find out what financial support you could access. If you need business advice, please contact the COVID Business Helpline on 0800 500 362.
Social support
It’s normal to feel stressed or lonely during this time. If you, your whānau, or friends need to talk to someone, there's support available:
- 1737 helpline: free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Kidsline: free call 0800 54 37 54 for people up to 18 years old
- Youthline: free call 0800 376 633, free text 234, email [email protected], or find online chat and other support options on Youthline website
- Piki: support for rangatahi aged 18–25 – visit Piki website
- Women’s Refuge: free call 0800 733 843 24/7 (women only)
- Shine's domestic violence helpline: free call 0508 744 633 between 9am and 11pm (for men and women)
- Skylight: visit the Skylight website for a free support information ePack and free counselling.
The Mental Health Foundation has a full list of services available.
Visit Helplines at mentalhealth.org.nz
Services for over 65s
Age Concern Kāpiti provides help and support to people aged 65 and over and has police-vetted volunteers throughout the Greater Wellington region. Visit their website or phone them on 04 298 8879 or freephone 0800 65 2 105 to find out more about how you can:
- get help shopping for groceries
- get help to get your COVID Vaccine pass
- subscribe to Chatter, the weekly Age Concern newsletter
- get a free copy of the latest Seniority Magazine sent out to you, or view the online version on Age Concerns website.
Translated information and resources
- For translated help and advice visit the COVID-19 website, 38 languages available.
- Information for Māori is available on the Ministry of Māori Development website.
- The Ministry of Pacific Peoples has videos about the latest traffic light system available in nine Pacific languages. Watch them on the Ministry for Pacific Peoples YouTube channel.
Accessible information for disabled people
Information is available in a number of accessible formats:
Information for the deaf community can be found at Deaf Aotearoa’s website.
Current exemptions for face coverings remain in place. If you are under the age of 12, have a physical or mental illness or disability, you do not need to wear a mask. For more information about exemptions and how to get an exemption card, visit covid19.govt.nz.
Looking after yourself, your whānau and your neighbours
Sign up for your vaccination
Everyone in New Zealand aged 5 or over can get a free COVID-19 vaccination. It does not matter what your visa or citizenship status is.
You can book on behalf of someone else — or help them with their booking — if you have their permission.
Find more information on the COVID-19 website.
Contact tracing at Council sites
QR codes are displayed at our Council community facilities for those who wish to continue scanning.
Download the free COVID Tracer app to your smartphone from the Apple iOS store, or Google Play app store.
Donate
Financial donations are a great way to help others in need. You can donate online via bank transfer at:
Self-isolating at home
Guidance on self-isolating at home can be found on the Ministry of Health website – self-isolating at home.
If you have been asked by health officials to self-isolate and you can't work from home, you may be eligible for the COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme. Your employer needs to apply for you. You can also apply if you're self-employed. Find out more about the Leave Support Scheme on Work and Incomes website.
Support for Kāpiti businesses
Both Council and Central Government have provided a range of support to businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic and our recovery from lockdowns. These are outlined further on this page.
Businesses and COVID-19
The Government's Unite against COVID-19 website has extensive information for businesses and employees on working safely during COVID-19, and financial support and services available.
Financial support
Various financial support schemes from central Government are available to help businesses and their employees recover from the effects of COVID-19.
For more information and how to apply, see Financial support for businesses on the Unite against COVID-19 website, which includes information on:
- COVID-19 financial support tool
- if your business has to close temporarily or reduce opening hours
- if your business has reduced revenue
- if an employee needs to self-isolate or get a COVID-19 test
Sign up for business updates
Sign up to receive regular business updates. You can also check out the useful information at KāpitiCoastNZ.com's Business in Kāpiti.