Flooding and Cyclone Relief

Please avoid donating goods

We are not collecting clothes or goods. We know that these seem like a practical way to help people, but sorting, managing and distributing donated items during an emergency takes an extensive amount of time and resources.

With people needing emergency supplies immediately, the best, most efficient way you can help make sure the right assistance reaches them when they need it most is by making a monetary donation. By donating money, you make sure local communities get help in the most effective way.

President’s Cyclone Relief Fund

22 Feb 2023

In the aftermath of the recent extreme weather events, we have had a number of people contact the Connexional Office asking if they can donate money towards the regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

We have set up the President’s Cyclone Relief Fund and will be making donations to the Mayoral Relief Funds in the hard hit areas.  If you would like to donate funds to the relief fund you can donate online:

Account Name: Methodist Church of NZ, Administration Division

Account Number: 02-0800-0766004-03

Reference: Cyclone Appeal

Code: Parish or individual’s name

Request a receipt: Click here to email Debbie

How well you take care of yourself will affect how well you cope with difficult situations. Taking some everyday self-care actions helps you to be as resilient and ready as possible to deal with challenges.

However, in stressed times, or when you’re looking after others, it’s easy to forget how important looking after yourself is. Think of some choices you can make through the day to look after your own needs. What positive actions helped you to cope in difficult times before? do those things. Be kind to yourself.

Looking after yourself isn’t selfish. It’s wise to keep as well and healthy as we can, both physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.

Encourage your family, whānau, and friends to look after themselves too. Self-care is a resilient choice.

If you’re struggling or feeling overwhelmed with your situation, connect with others for support. If you have ongoing issues of sleeplessness, anxiety, flashbacks, depression, or other concerning matters, visit your doctor, or speak with a counsellor. They can support you to get through this time.

Mental Wellness Support

Call 111 in an emergency or if you or someone else is at risk.

For many of us, the changes inflicted on us can feel overwhelming. Everyone needs support at times, please reach out if you need to talk.

If you are struggling, you can talk to your Presbyter or one of the caring agencies listed below. Presbyters and Deacons, you are not immune to stress, and if you are Stationed, you can access EAP. Lay preachers may access the Xero assistance programme.

Your GP is a good start point. GPs are trained to assess, treat, and manage many mental health challenges. Most services are free and provide information and confidential advice from qualified professionals. A range of other services is available, spanning phone, online, and in-person support.

Not All Right? - 1737 – free call or text any time for support from a trained counsellor

Healthline - 0800 611 116

Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or free text 4357 (HELP)

Samaritans - 0800 726 666

Alcohol Drug Helpline - 0800 787 797

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

The Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).

Mental Health Foundation 

The Fono (Auckland based) 
               
Vaka Tautua 

Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am) or email

What's Up: Online chat (1pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787
                      Helpline (12pm-11pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)
                      Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (4pm-9pm weekdays)

The Lowdown Text 5626 for support to help young people recognise and understand depression or anxiety.

Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797

Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 

Ola Lelei helpline

0800 OLA LELEI (0800 652 535) Auckland region freephone service

Talk to a trained Pacific mental health or social worker about any worries, issues or concerns they may have due to COVID-19 (coronavirus). If they aren't able deliver a specific service, then they are able to refer the callers, with caller consent, to one of their many partner organisations. This is the first known service of its kind for Pacific peoples in New Zealand. It is supported by funding from the Ministries of Health and Social Development.

Mentemia app

Mentemia from John Kirwan is an app that coaches mental wellbeing and is free to all New Zealanders. It's packed with evidence-based ideas and tools to help you learn how to be well, and stay well. It includes the most common stressors experienced today - poor sleep, anxiety and stress.

Xero's employee assistance programme

Free, confidential counselling sessions to Xero subscribers and their staff. (Peter van Hout, Sarah Andrews and Bruce Johnston have confirmed availability on the plan MCNZ has with Xero).

Employment Advocacy Programme 

Available to Presbyters and Deacons in appointments, and their families

Sharing the Load

It is possible that some of our parishes or families may be significantly affected. Please advise your Synod Superintendent or the General Secretary if this is the case.

God, who is Jesus is the Word, speak to those for whom communication is difficult.

For those whose experience is too hard to share,
help them find the words to express their fears and anger;
For those whose communication lines have been cut,
help them in their frustration and sense of isolation.

God, who in Jesus is the Way, direct those who are lost.

For those who feel alone or abandoned,
help them reconnect with their loved ones.
For those whose roads have been cut,
be their lifeline to inner strength and hope.

God, who in Jesus is the Good Shepherd, gather up the flock.

For those offering pastoral care to individuals,
help them to be gentle and filled with empathy.
For those caring for areas most badly affected,
help them weave together their communities in adversity.

God, who is Jesus is our home in heaven, be our place of refuge.

For those whose homes are uninhabitable,
give them patience in their long wait for normality.
For those who have lost all they own,
be their true treasure and taonga.

God, who is Jesus in our Peace, bring calm to a flooded world.

For those worried over loved ones caught up in disaster,
may reconnection bring them a sense of relief.
For those who livelihoods are ruined,
may those in power give them the financial support they need.

God, who in Jesus is the Life, bring life to all affected.

For those whose lives have been lost,
may you welcome them to their eternal rest.
For those whose loved ones have died,
embrace them with your comfort and serenity.

God, who in Jesus is the Truth, enable us to make sense of this crisis.

For our political leaders struggling to meet every need,
give them the understanding and will to do what is best.
For those who plan for future disasters,
help them advise the government wisely.

God, whom we recognise most clearly in the face of Jesus Christ, keep us close to him so that we may find in him all that we need to face this present disaster and all future fears.

This we ask in his most precious name.
Amen.