Local services and community groups report that they are able to cope in the short term with the influx of visitors from Christchurch in the wake of the earthquake although some sectors, particularly in Wanaka, say they are being stretched, Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Vanessa van Uden said.

Two community discussion groups were convened by QLDC in order to assess how local services were handling the arrival of displaced, respite-seeking or relocating people from Christchurch and whether more resources were needed to help deal with their needs.

“Many people from Christchurch have chosen to leave the city temporarily and large numbers have relocated here,” said Mayor Vanessa van Uden. “We have gladly welcomed them into our community but at the same time we’re aware that many of these people need support and this places demands on local services.”

The two discussion groups revealed that similar issues were presenting in both Queenstown and Wanaka, although it was Wanaka who was dealing with the largest numbers.
 
Education providers in both Queenstown and Wanaka reported large numbers of new students with 490 enrolled district-wide by Monday 7 March. The Ministry of Education was providing a lot of support but larger class sizes had the potential to lead to teacher stress. This was expected to be alleviated by using extra relief teachers.

Medical Centres in both Queenstown and Wanaka had both seen increases in patient numbers, particularly in the number of people seeking counselling services. Wanaka medical services were coping well with the extra workload but it was felt that extra resources would be required long term if the current level of visitors remains.

As a result of the discussion groups, education and community co-ordinators were appointed for both Queenstown and Wanaka and a QLDC customer services officer in Wanaka was reassigned as a dedicated liaison person for people from Canterbury seeking assistance with accommodation. A similar role has also been established in Queenstown

“Community agencies throughout the district have made enormous efforts to help people displaced by the Christchurch earthquake. The Council is here to support and help those agencies,” said Mayor van Uden. “As part of Project Assist we’re asking for people from Christchurch to register with the Council so we can get a better idea of how many people we are dealing with.”

People could register with the Council by either dropping into the Council offices in Gorge Road, Queenstown or Ardmore Street, Wanaka or by phoning the Queenstown office on 03 441 0499 or the Wanaka office on 03 443 0024.

Other information on Project Assist is available on the QLDC website www.qldc.govt.nz

ENDS

For more information, contact Mayor Vanessa van Uden on 03 441 0499

By: Andrea Bunting