Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has partnered with government agencies to set up a community support service in Queenstown which will have services linking in to the Wanaka Community Hub.

While it will initially focus on immigration and social service assistance, immigration lawyers and justices of the peace will also become available, as well as advice on travel and repatriation options.

QLDC recovery team community leader Marie Day said the service will initially open at the end of this week with assistance from Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

“We will run a range of workshops with some one-on-one meetings with immigration advisors,” Marie said.

“To safely manage access during [alert] level two, meetings will be via appointment only. We also plan on filming the workshops and providing online meeting options for those who are unable to attend.”

INZ will be on hand to help temporary migrants understand their immigration options. This will include helping to coordinate information, engaging with employers, and providing information on options to depart New Zealand if temporary migrants have no pathway to remain in the country.

In Wanaka, the services will be available at the Wanaka Community Hub.

INZ will be available at the community support service for three weeks. Details on how to register for an appointment will be shared this week.

“Council’s role in the service is to support and facilitate partnerships with agencies and community organisations to help make the process for support easier for our community.

“We are also working alongside many of our local social services to ensure people can be easily referred to other support services they may need.”

Since the nationwide lockdown began in March, the QLDC has provided emergency welfare assistance to thousands of people across the Queenstown Lakes District.

Civil Defence will continue to provide general welfare support needs. People can continue to apply for support for food, accommodation and household goods and services via the welfare form on the QLDC website any time, with requests processed during business hours, Monday to Friday.

The Otago Helpline (0800 322 4000 or [email protected]) will continue to operate 9.00am to 5.00pm daily for urgent requests. If people need help paying rent, power or gas bills they can apply for help at Otago Civil Defence.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App