What you can do following the events in Christchurch

Donation: There are numerous GiveaLittle and online fundraising websites that you can donate money to.  The largest one of which at time of writing had over 7.4 million dollars donated. This fund in particular is ring fenced for support from Victim Support New Zealand. Each New Zealand Bank has information on their website about where you can donate. This money is essential to providing services to the community affected. In particular, families may struggle with the cost of living with working members of their families lost.

Please Verify that each donation page is legitimate. Unfortunately there are some false donation pages currently around.

Seek Help: If you are struggling after the events and need help. There are several ways that you can reach out. 1737 is a nationwide counselling helpline that responds to both phone call and text. At the University of Auckland, University Health and Counselling are available for appointments if you need to talk. 

Blood Donation: At the time of writing, a number of individuals remain in critical condition in Christchurch Hospital. Although Blood Bank supplies are adequate at current, blood does only last for 35 days so new supplies are always needed. Please consider donating blood.

Call out Prejudice: Prejudice is a large issue and comments made that are sexist, racist, homophobic or are intolerant to other’s cultures and religions are never acceptable. Please be mindful of comments made and if you feel comments are predjudiced, make an effort to speak to the person quietly and open the discussion. 

Be Kind: The fastest, cheapest and easiest way to help is to be kind. Help one another, support each other, it does not take a lot of time to ask someone if they need help, to stand with them if they need it or to be friendly to them. Do however respect people’s personal space. Every person has their own way of expressing grief and every person has their own way they wish to have kindness shown to them.