Salvation Army Napier Corps officer Major Alister Irwin says the Bay's demand for food parcels is increasing. He offers some advice for the festive season.
To you, what are the main contributing factors to the heightened demand for food parcels?
In Hawke's Bay we have seen a few different factors driving the increase in need and in people coming to see us for help. In the rural areas the downturn in the rural economy has made things tough for people. But in Napier the boom has pushed housing costs up, so it's become harder for people on benefits or on low-incomes to pay their rent and still be able to afford food and power, let alone other unanticipated bills on top.
How good was the response to the Salvation Army's recent appeal?
It's too soon to say, because the Christmas Appeal is still going, but we're always humbled by the generosity of Kiwis at this time of year. New Zealanders are really good at thinking about people who are doing it tough and making sure they don't miss out on Christmas.