MP explores issues for most vulnerable

Carmen Sepuloni (left), Labour MP, speaks to Rotorua Salvation Army worker Shelly Fischer and Labour Rotorua spokesman Tamati Coffey while visiting the city yesterday.

Rotorua's most vulnerable citizens were the hot topic yesterday, as Labour's social development spokeswoman Carmen Sepuloni visited the city.

Ms Sepuloni and Rotorua's Labour Party spokesman Tamati Coffey visited the Salvation Army at Community House, as well as Bachelor of Social Work students at Waiariki Institute of Technology.

The duo also helped with meal time for the homeless at Kuirau Park in the MP's day-long visit.

Mr Coffey said he organised the visit so Ms Sepuloni would have a strong grasp of issues pertaining to Rotorua.

"Social development is such a huge portfolio, it affects people in so many different ways and our most vulnerable," he said.

The Rotorua Salvation Army's community ministries manager and budget adviser, Shelly Fischer, spoke with Ms Sepuloni about trends in Rotorua.

Ms Fischer said access to easy credit left many with high-interest loans. Many of those people ended up at the food bank.

"The situations and issues people are facing are getting increasingly complicated."

Ms Sepuloni said there was an increased demand for support in Rotorua, which was reflected nationwide.

She said the seasonal nature of a lot of work in Rotorua meant many workers did not have job security.

"It's when they get sick, or their partner or their kids get sick, that they are having to access Work and Income, because they don't have annual leave or sick days in their contracts."

-The Rotorua Daily Post is running a Salvation Army foodbank appeal.

-Donate money or non-perishable food items.

-Donations can be made at the Rotorua Daily Post Hinemoa St office between 8am and 5pm weekdays.

-Food donations can also be made at the Salvation Army's Community Ministries at Community House, Haupapa St, the Salvation Army church on Old Taupo Rd or the Family Store on Pukuatua St.