Victim Support has now distributed more than $3 million to the victims and families of those affected by the Christchurch terror attacks.
Members of the local Muslim community inspect the interior of the Al Noor Mosque after it was reopened. Photo: AFP
Chief executive Kevin Tso said two rounds of financial support have already been provided to 47 families of those who were killed and 80 people who were hospitalised.
In the past few days, another 53 injured people have come forward or been identified as needing help.
"These are exceptional times and finding all those who need our help is an extremely complex process, which takes time," Mr Tso said.
"We have been working closely with the Muslim community, hundreds of victims, the police, and government agencies to try to reach everyone who has been affected, to understand their needs and to make sure they are getting appropriate support."
So far, 977 people have registered with Victim Support and that number continues to climb.
Victim Support contacts victims via police referral and the two organisations have been trying to ensure no one is missing from the list of those affected.
Victim Support raised more than $10m in the aftermath of the mosque shootings.
It has been under pressure to distribute more of the funds, as stories emerge of families struggling financially.
A $15,000 lump sum was paid to the families of each deceased person on 18 March, including $5000 from the Ministry of Justice Victim Assistance Scheme.
A second payment of $15,000 was made to families from 18 April.
Hospitalised victims received a first payment of $5000 three days after the incident and a second, of $8000, on 18 April.
In addition to the payments, grants have also been given to help cover immediate expenses resulting from the incident, including funeral expenses, travel, accommodation and other discretionary costs. Each is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Victim Support is now working through how the rest of the money will be allocated.
Mr Tso said they remain committed to ensuring all money donated is distributed to the victims and their families.
"We also know that many of the victims will need ongoing support in the months and years ahead, so we want to make sure the funds are managed carefully to provide support in the long-term," he said.
