How have the Carterton community helped out during the COVID-19 lockdown?

Heading into the COVID-19 lockdown, Ka Pai Carterton the Community Led Development Programme (CLDP) worked closely with social services to determine where additional support may be required and they worked with the Community Advisor to identify people, and groups, that might need assistance.

Six days into the lockdown, a 65 year old pensioner in need of emergency accommodation was referred to Ka Pai Carterton. Bob, who was not eligible for social housing support, had been traveling to the Hawkes Bay for employment.  Bob learnt about the Government's COVID-19 Level 4 lockdown while he was in Picton, and only got as far as Carterton before the lockdown began. Bob had been staying at a joinery factory since the lockdown and was in desperate need of a safe and warm place.

Ka Pai Carterton connected with a local motel that offered accommodation at a highly favourable rate as their way of supporting the community during the lockdown. The CLDP paid for Bob’s three weeks accommodation to ensure that he was in one place, and also purchased staple grocery items to sustain him for a number of days until he could do his own shopping. Though he is disappointed that he had to forgo his employment in the Hawkes Bay, Bob is extremely grateful to receive such efficient and generous support.