Temporary Accommodation Service active for latest severe weather events

TAS encourages people to register if they have been displaced from their homes or expect they may need temporary accommodation because of the recent weather events.

“TAS is already engaging with people affected by the January severe weather events in Northland, Thames-Coromandel, Western Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Tauranga and Hauraki, to place them into safe and suitable accommodation,” says Gemma Wiig, Acting Head of Accommodation and Insurance Response.

“We are now also opening up the service to those affected by the more recent February severe weather event.

“If you have been impacted and need support finding temporary accommodation, we can help. The team will work with every household to establish their needs and connect them with available temporary accommodation,” says Gemma Wiig.

TAS is working alongside local authorities, communities and iwi to provide wrap-around support for people who have been affected by the severe weather events, including social services, mental health support, and financial support.

MBIE has a responsibility to coordinate temporary accommodation following an emergency, as per the National Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan Order 2015.

Further Information:

• People affected by the recent severe weather who have a current, or expected future need for temporary accommodation, are encouraged to register via the TAS website or phone 0508 754 163.
  Temporary Accommodation Service(external link)
• Through TAS, a weekly part-payment is required which starts for each household 8 weeks after their placement. If affordability is a concern, TAS has a process to review weekly part-payment amounts.
• If households need support with residential insurance claims, the New Zealand Claims Resolution Service provide free, independent advice and support, visit the NZCR website
  New Zealand Claims Resolution Service(external link)
• If people have been affected by the recent event and their home is damaged, they can find information explaining the rapid building assessment process and what to do next.
  Rapid Building Assessment System(external link) — Building Performance