It's not just petrol, it's a lifeline to safety.
31st of March, 2026
The world has changed a lot the past few weeks.
It's not just fuel rates climbing fast, it's the cost of food, it's interest rates, it's uncertainty. And uncertainty is fuel for violence.
Within days of the conflict, we had whai ora past and present reaching out trying to find support for their families - struggling to pick up their kids from school or get to their job. We've had clients switching to phone meetings, or we've gone to pick them up because they simply can't afford to get to us.
We tell our whai ora to keep at least a quarter tank of petrol in their car so they can get out quick if needed. But it's just not possible for so many of them. They're trapped because they can't afford to leave!
The reality is that most of our clients are struggling financially. It comes with the territory; most abuse involves financial control. And that means the impact of major events hits twice as quick and twice as hard.
As this conflict drags on and uncertainty grows, our whai ora feel the brunt of that burden. Not only will the financial stressors be worse, we KNOW that stress and uncertainty increase violence. We saw it after the earthquakes; we saw it during the COVID pandemic.
But you can help!
- Make a donation
- Donate petrol vouchers (drop-off at Aviva offices at Unit 4, Amuri Park, 25 Churchill St, Christchurch Central, open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm excluding public holidays)
- Sign up to collect for the Aviva Street Appeal in May to raise funds for your community
Regardless of what state the world is in, Aviva will be there to help. If whai ora can't get to us, we'll go to them. And your help can make sure of that.
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash