7 Aug 2020

Red Cross fears foreign nationals in hardship, not accessing help

From Nine To Noon, 9:20 am on 7 August 2020
Gonzálo Javier Hernández who received support through Visitor Care Manaaki Manhuhiri, with Audrey Tolua our Humanitarian Development Engagement Manager in Hawke’s Bay

Gonzálo Javier Hernández who received support through Visitor Care Manaaki Manhuhiri, with Audrey Tolua our Humanitarian Development Engagement Manager in Hawke’s Bay Photo: NZ Red Cross

Red Cross says thousands of foreign national visa holders in the country may be living in hardship and unaware of the government's $37 million programme of help.

There are 355 thousand foreign national visa holders in the country at present, 22 thousand of whom are thought to be in serious hardship but are not eligible for social welfare.

The three month Manaaki Manuhiri programme is to provide in-kind assistance in the form of rent relief, food and petrol vouchers. The programme is being administered by the Red Cross. Lynn speaks with project lead, Rachel O'Connor.