The need for kai, health essentials and social support during Covid isolation is being met in Tauranga Moana with a new service provided by Te Tuinga Whanau.

Three weeks into the role, kai provision supporter Jaime Maniapoto says it's now a matter of letting people know where they can go to get essentials, such as food, without going outside of their bubbles.

'I'm getting to know the different services and with collaboration we're spreading the word that we have food and we'll even drop it off to them," says Jaime.

'The support services we provide are available during and after isolation, so people can transition back to normality with ease.”

Te Tuinga Whanau's new kai provision supporter Jaime Maniapoto with relief for community in isolation. Photo: Supplied.

Te Tuinga's Happy Puku catering arm has cooked up a stock pile of kai using community supplied vegetables and meat.

'The meals have been frozen in advance but we pick up the bread and milk on any given day. We also add to the box some toiletries, and chemist necessities.”

Recognising that there is an integration process for people after isolation, Jaime's other roles that dovetails her kai one is to act as community connector to social services.

'Knowing the utilities and where to find social support is important so our team of social workers are on hand to give that extra bit of guidance," says Jaime.

To get in touch with Jaimie, people can enquire through the Ministry of Social Development or Te Tuinga's social services direct on 07 571 0875 or email jaime@ttw.org.nz

Te Tuinga Whanau's new kai provision supporter Jaime Maniapoto with relief for community in isolation. Photo: Supplied.