Smithfield Support

Community & Culture

Agencies accross South Canterbury are working to support the families that have been affected by the upcoming closure of Alliance Smithfield.

On this page you can access some information about events and services you can access as well as links to local support agencies. This page will be updated as we have more information.

Upcoming Events

MSD / IR Seminars

17 December 2024 , 11.00am at Smithfield

Alliance Whānau Day

18 January - Port Loop

‘Mini Job Fair’

28th January, 10.00am – 3.00pm - Te Aitarakihi

Redundancy Support Information

The Ministry of Social Development’s Work Broker team, together with the Regional Labour Market team, responds to labour market shocks and coordinates redundancy support services.

Information in this e-resource provides you with guidance and links to nationwide redundancy support available, as well as information created by the local Southern team.

Work and Income has a range of information and advice on the type of services that will help support you if you are affected by redundancy. Below we detail the services we offer as well as the support available to you from other government and community agencies.

Redundancy support

Redundancy Support is an information and advice service that is provided in confidence when a business is downsizing, closing, or relocating. Work and Income can support you during this time by:

  • advising of other jobs available in the area
  • talking with you individually about your situation
  • supporting you in finding another job
  • discussing further training opportunities
  • providing information about income support entitlements.

Finding a new job

Work and Income can offer career guidance and help you find a job that’s right for you.

If work isn’t available straight away, you may want to consider gaining work experience and learning new skills by doing voluntary work.

Work and Income has a range of pre-employment and training programmes that may help you get back into the workforce and gain skills tailored to specific industries. To find out more about the programmes available in your area talk to a Case Manager or Work Broker. Recruitment services are free and available to all those seeking work.

Financial Support – Applying Online

You can apply for most benefits or other payments online. You’ll be asked questions about your situation to work out the types of payments you might get. You can be granted financial assistance from the date you request it. If you need help with our online services, call 0800 559 009 and say “online help” at the prompt when you call.

To apply online, go to: www.workandincome.govt.nz/online-services.

Check what you might get

You can quickly find out the types of financial assistance you may qualify for online, and then choose if you want to apply. It is a guide only. We’ll work out exactly what you can get, how much you’ll be paid and if you need to complete any pre-benefit activities.

If you’re 18-64, you may need to complete pre-benefit activities before you’re granted financial assistance.

You can Apply Online after checking what you might get at https://check.msd.govt.nz/.

Resources

Local Support agencies

Te Aitarakihi Marae-a-Iwi

Te Aitarakihi Marae-ā-Iwi is a kaupapa Māori organisation open to all members of our hapori (community).

A welcoming space for all iwi and cultures to gather and engage, including but not limited to; Traditional practices, a place to belong, venue hire, noho, community engagement, events, volunteering, advice and connections to important and educational services.

Contact:

Address: 50 Bridge Road, Timaru

Phone: 03 684 7906

Email: kiaora@teaitarakihi.co.nz

Website: www.teaitarakihi.nz

Salvation Army Timaru

The Salvation Army provides a number of free services to families and individuals in need of support.

Services provided includes:

  • Food and clothing assistance – if you need food assistance please come into the centre for an appointment with one of their support team.
  • Food and welfare assistance is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9am – 12pm. By appointment only outside of those hours.
  • Life skills programmes
  • Coffee groups

Contact:

Address: 206 Wai iti Road, Timaru

Phone: 03 684 7139

Email: timaru.corps@salvationarmy.org.nz

Presbyterian Support South Canterbury

PSSC provides a wide range of social services within South Canterbury.

Services provided includes:

  • Family Works – focusing on families, they provide a large range of services and programmes (view the separate FW page)
  • Frozen meals are available at the Park Lane office for a small charge

Contact:

Phone: 03 687 7945 | 03 687 1148

Email: admin@pssc.co.nz

Website:  www.pssc.org.nz

Family Works – South Canterbury

Family Works South Canterbury supports families to be safe, strong, and connected by focusing on strengths, and offering free courses, practical support and programmes.

Services provided include:

  • Family Social Workers work alongside children and families, supporting them to make change.
  • Counselling helps families to resolve conflict and encourages positive family relationships.
  • Financial Mentoring works alongside families to focus on reducing financial stress and achieving financial capability
  • Social Worker in Schools helps children and their families to engage better with school, build resilience, and overcome social barriers.
  • Family Start Service works alongside families providing support from pregnancy (home visiting service).
  • Parenting through separation helps separated or separating parents focus on their child’s wellbeing.
  • Family Harm Programmes are available for women and children to overcome the effect of family violence and abuse.
  • Parenting Programmes help improve the skills needed to be a great parent.
  • Children’s Programmes are available for children who have anxiety, difficulties communicating and anger.
  • Buddy Mentoring Programme connects adults (Big Buddies) with children (Little Buddies) for an hour or 2 a week.
  • Grandparents raising Grandchildren monthly support meetings.

Contact:

Address: 26 North Street, Timaru

Phone: 03 688 5029

Email: admin@pssc.co.nz

Website: www.pssc.org.nz

Free Legal Clinic – Timaru

Free legal advice provided by members of the local Law Society. This service is for advice and referral and does not include legal representation.

Each Thursday 7pm, no appointment required.

It may be helpful to contact Citizens Advice prior to obtain any pamphlets or advice before seeing the lawyer.

Contact:

Address: Citizens Advice, Community House, 27 Strathallan Street, Timaru

Phone: 03 687 7362

Email: southcanterbury@cab.org.nz

Last updated: 06 Dec 2024