The Star: March 28, 2019

THOUSANDS OF people
have sought help and support
following the deadly terror
attack.
However, there has also
been a spike in the number of
people interested in moving
to New Zealand, particularly
from the United States and
some predominantly Muslim
countries.
More than 6300 people have
reached out to the national 1737
mental health helpline since
the shooting, which saw 50
people killed at the Al Noor and
Linwood mosques, Canterbury
District Health Board chief
executive David Meates said.
The helpline is receiving an
average of 600 contacts a day
with people speaking with
counsellors, psychiatrists and
psychologists.
The average length of each
session is about 34 minutes –
with 63 per cent being phone
calls, while 37 per cent were text
or webchat consultations.
Many seeking help were in
distress after watching the
footage of the shooting online.
Victim Support chief executive
Kevin Tso said it has seen a 50
per cent increase in call volumes
and is supporting about 500
attack.
victims so far. However, he said
it has received more than $9
million in donations from the
public, which is being distributed
to victims and their families. It is
also receiving funding from the
Ministry of Justice.
Immigration New Zealand
assistant general manager Peter
Elms said 182 visas had been
granted to victims and family
members as a result of the
shooting.
He said no security has been
compromised in the process.
“If anything security has been
heightened,” Mr Elms said.
Immigration New Zealand
news online at www.star.kiwi
Spike in number of calls for help
• By Sophie Cornish and
Julia Evans
CALL FOR HELP: More than 6300 people have reached out
to the national 1737 mental health helpline since the terror
has also seen a “significant spike”
in people registering expressions
of interest in moving to New
Zealand since the attack.
Mr Elms said it could be due
to the heightened international
publicity, but he was unsure
whether he had ever seen such a
jump.
Immigration New Zealand
national manager marketing
Greg Forsythe said 6457
registrations were received in
the 10 days from March 15 to
24 compared to 4844 in the
preceding 10 days.
“The largest numerical
increase came from the United
States – 1165 compared to 674.”
He said there has also
been a significant increase in
registrations from a number
of predominantly Muslim
countries, notably Pakistan
with 333 registrations since the
attacks, compared to 65 in the 10
days before, and Malaysia with
165 compared to 67.
Meanwhile, ACC spokesman
Phil Riley said it had received
102 injury claims in relation to
the shooting so far – with 53
related to gunshot wounds.
Ministry of Social
Development regional director
Shane Carter said it has
processed more than 600
applications for assistance
following the attacks.
The ministry has paid out close
to $160,000, which has included
one-off payments for emergency
travel, food and clothing.
WHERE TO GET HELP
•1737, Need to talk? – Free
phone or text 1737 to talk to
a trained counsellor
•Victim Support – 0800 842
846
•Lifeline – 0800 543 354
•Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 for
people up to 18 years old.
Open 24/7.
•Youthline – 0800 376 633,
free text 234, email talk@
youthline.co.nz, or find
online chat and other
support options here.
The Star Thursday March 28 2019
NEWS 5
International
dignitaries
to attend
memorial
•From page 1
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
said a number of “international
guests and visitors” would be in
Christchurch.
“In the week since the
unprecedented terror attack there
has been an outpouring of grief
and love in our country. The
service will be a chance to once
again show that New Zealanders
are compassionate, inclusive and
diverse, and that we will protect
those values,” she said.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel said
it will be an opportunity for
people around the world to come
together.
“The outpouring of love and
support shown to our Muslim
brothers and sisters has been
heartfelt and has been received
in the spirit in which it has been
offered,” she said.
“It is in coming together as one,
standing shoulder to shoulder,
that gives expression to this
unity and that’s what will see us
through.”
Ūpoko of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Te
Maire Tau, said the service is our
opportunity to show the world
that we are one community and
that our identities are forever
woven together.
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