Queenstown Lakes’ migrants can now access additional emergency funding for accommodation and unpaid bills, but they won’t be able to access state benefits and their best option might be to go home. 

That's the clear message from central and local government. 

On Tuesday (May 12) Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) confirmed foreign nationals can access a $30M pot of government funding for help with their rent, boarding fees, hostel feels, electricity or gas.

And payments can be backdated to March 26, when alert level four lockdown began. 

That will be welcome news to the more than 5,000 people on employment and short stay visitor visas who’ve already asked Queenstown Lakes District Council for help. 

But it comes with a unwelcome kicker - the money won’t last forever and with jobs likely to be scarce, those who aren’t permanent residents and don't have a job or enough money to support themselves should look at returning to their home countries. 

Queenstown's mayor Jim Boult says more than a million dollars of welfare has already been distributed, with the bill picked up by the National Emergency Management Agency.

People are in this situation right across the district - more than 700 food vouchers have been given to people in need in Wanaka. Queenstown though, with its larger population, has received almost 6,500 vouchers.

Food vouchers are the main form of support being provided, by council in conjunction with CDEM.

The message is the same regardless of which side of the hill migrants out of work live on: Jim says the money will eventually run out.

“That may be weeks or months but there will be an end to it. For Kiwis they can still lean on the government but the migrant picture is hugely challenging.”

Jim has been lobbying government for migrants to be able to access some form of benefits and says that lobbying will continue. 

He says the “bleak reality” for many is that they will not be able to get work in the coming months. 

“The projected levels of unemployment for our district are far in excess of the projected national average. 

“For those migrants in this position, still hanging on for work, my advice would be start doing some challenging thinking. Your best option may well be one of repatriation until such time as our economy can once again offer support to our migrants.”

“I do accept that for some repatriation is not possible and for others the years that you have lived and worked in our community and raised families also makes this proposition untenable. However, where it can be conceived as a possibility it now needs to be considered.

“I want to be clear – I say this with a heavy heart and frankly out of genuine concern for the wellbeing of our migrant community, but we simply cannot sustain the quantum of welfare ongoing.”

QLDC is now releasing a weekly Friday update on the welfare situation.

As of midnight on Thursday, May 7, it had received 12,940 requests for help. Multiple requests can be made, i.e. one person can ask for help more than once. 

There were 7,112 unique requests, and 5,128 from people on employment or short stay visitor visas. Some 35 per cent of the total requests stated they are now unemployed.

Otago CDEM group controller Richard Saunders says the $30M funding “is available for any foreign nationals in Otago who meet the criteria, although we know most people who need help live in the Queenstown Lakes District.”

“New Zealand citizens and permanent residents who need support with accommodation should contact Work and Income New Zealand in the first instance. If they do not qualify for welfare support from Work and Income they may be provided support from Civil Defence.

“People can apply for help with their rent, boarding fees, hostel feels, electricity or gas. It takes the pressure off those who are worried about where they will live if they have to move out due to unpaid bills.”

QLDC has received 1,339 requests for help for accommodation, 7,205 requests for essential shopping, 267 requests for clothing, bedding and linen, 162 requests for help with online services, 18 requests for cultural requirements and 211 requests for other support, such as other financial help, heating, job hunting and loneliness.

Those unable to pay their rent and power/gas bills due to the impact of COVID-19 can apply for assistance via an online form.

They will then receive a follow up phone call from Otago Civil Defence to assess their application and confirm payments, if eligible.

“Payments will be made directly to landlords or accommodation providers, and electricity or gas companies,” Richard said.

Applications must be made by the tenants. Landlords can’t apply on behalf of their tenants but are encouraged to contact those living at their property who are unable to pay rent and let them know financial support may be available.

Payments can be backdated to March, 26, 2020, when alert level four lockdown began. But people who have been able to pay their living expenses will not get them reimbursed. 

Forward payments may be paid for those whose living circumstances aren’t expected to change in the coming weeks. If they need support after that, they will need to reapply.

Otago CDEM will continue to operate its welfare helpline for those needing support with food and other essential items such as winter clothing or firewood. It runs seven days a week, 9am to 5pm, and can be reached on 0800 322 4000 or [email protected].

Foreign migrants who have lost their income and are struggling to pay rent or power bills can apply to Otago Civil Defence for support with short term living costs here.

If you're a New Zealander and struggling to pay your rent or power bills, contact Work and Income New Zealand on 0800 559 009.

If you're a temporary visa holder, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released the latest information and advice on getting home, receiving emergency assistance, self-isolating and short-term exceptions for essential travel.