numbers for those with poor english

a copy of the email i received from ministry of ethnic affairs:

Support for ethnic communities affected by earthquake

The 6.3-magnitude earthquake near Christchurch has caused significant damage. The Police are working to determine the number of dead. Numerous injuries have been reported. The quake occurred at 12:51pm, February 22, 2011 10 kilometres south-east of Christchurch, at a depth of five kilometres.

For the latest information and advice visit the Ministry of Civil Defence website People concerned about the wellbeing of friends and relatives in Christchurch should call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276). A special phone help-line has been set up for people seeking information about Government services and support. It is 0800 77 9997

For those with little or no English the Office of Ethnic Affairs’ telephone interpretation service is available. Language Line can help provide everyone with the help and information they need. The Director of the Office of Ethnic Affairs, Mervin Singham says: “in times like this it is essential that people with little or no English are able to access information, advice and entitlements in the same way that any other New Zealanders can.

The Office of Ethnic Affairs is committed to ensuring that this occurs”. The numbers below offer Language Line and assistance in your language. Other agencies which use Language Line and the list of languages can be found at http://www.languageline.govt.nz/
· ACC Claims................................................................................. 0800 101 996
· Christchurch City Council............................................................. 03 941 8999
· Work and Income......................................................................... 0800 559 009
· Child, Youth & Family................................................................. 0508 326 459
· Housing New Zealand Corporation.......................................... 0800 801 601
· Earthquake Commission............................................................ 0800 326 243
· Inland Revenue........................................................................... 0800 227 774
· Heathline...................................................................................... 0800 611 116

More phone lines are available here.

Advice from the Ministry of Civil Defence

The Ministry of Civil Defence advises that people in the affected area should:

· Expect aftershocks. Each time one is felt, drop, cover, and hold on.
· To minimise overloading on the phone network people should use text messaging to check if family and friends are safe.
· There are 38 confirmed fatalities and numerous reports of injuries. The death toll is likely to rise.
· Stay out of damaged areas. There are reports of widespread building collapse, especially in the central city.
· Listen to the radio for updated emergency information and instructions.
· Welfare centres have been set up in several areas of the city.
· Help people who require special assistance - infants, elderly people, those without transportation, families who may need additional help, people with disabilities, and the people who care for them.

For more information on Language Line a telephone interpreting service of the Office of Ethnic Affairs contact:

Sue Ingram
Senior Communications AdvisorOffice of Ethnic Affairs, Te Tari Matawaka
The Department of Internal Affairs, Te Tari Taiwhenua
46 Waring Taylor Street
Wellington
Direct Dial: 64 4 494 0584
Mobile: 027 541 4696
sue.ingram@dia.govt.nz