Agencies continue to offer support to Christchurch terrorist attack victims and families

March 27, 2019

Director of the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management Sarah Stuart-Black gave the update on behalf of the CDHB.

A 4-year-old girl injured in the Christchurch terrorist attack on March 15 remains in a stable but serious condition at Auckland's Starship Hospital.

She is one of 21 people still in hospital following the attacks, including her dad who is also in a stable condition at Auckland Hospital.

Fifty people, including children, were killed in shootings at two Christchurch mosques on March 15.

The two mosques attacked were the Al Noor mosque on Deans Ave, across from Hagley Park, and Linwood Mosque.

A strong police presence remains throughout the country following the attacks, which Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called "one of New Zealand's darkest days".

There are 19 people in Christchurch Hospital - three who are in in intensive care in critical condition. The number is down from four yesterday.

Director of the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management Sarah Stuart-Black said the focus this week was on providing support to victims and their families to help rebuild their lives.

"The wrap-around support is there," she said, of all agencies working together to facilitate people's needs.

There have been 102 ACC injury claims since the attacks, 53 of which involved gunshot wounds.

Phil Riley, from ACC, said the fact numbers were still rolling in was a reminder of how important it is to make contact with anyone hurt in the attacks who may not received any support yet.

Victim Support chief executive Kevin Tso said the organisation was offering support to about 500 people.

The need for support was experienced nationally as well as overseas, he said.

He was also thankful for donations mounting to $9 million on a fundraising appeal set up. The funding would go directly to victims, including family travel, accommodation and funeral expenses.

Donation platforms, including from Givealittle pages, help funding go beyond what existing entitlements victims will receive, Mr Tso said.

Shane Carter, from Ministry of Social Development, said the organisation was continuing to provide financial assistance, with 628 applicants having already received financial support. The total compensation given out so far is $159,000.

The organisation has also contacted businesses in the areas of tragedies to see if and what help is needed, Mr Carter said.

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