Help us support our foreign nationals

Waiheke has around 200 foreign nationals on temporary visas that are effectively stranded in our community as a result of the pandemic. Those on tourist visas cannot legally work, so have no access to income. Many work visa holders have lost their jobs due to Covid-19. None of these people can access any government benefits because they are non-residents. They are living off savings, some sleeping in vehicles to save money. All are facing increasing financial hardship.

The Waiheke Budgeting Services Trust has been supporting this group with food vouchers since the beginning of the first lockdown. We are very mindful that we have resident clients who also need our support, so we are keeping the foreign nationals food support resources separate from the regular food bank. This is so that we can assure our community that we are committed to supporting everyone who needs us. We believe that this is the most ethical and transparent approach.

We are seeking donation to this fund so we can continue to support these people. They are part of our community. They have contributed to the local and national economy with their taxes and their tourist dollars. Culturally and socially they bring diversity to our island community. We want to care for them in return.