Suncorp New Zealand has provided $150,000 to five community support groups working to relieve increased hardship caused by COVID lockdowns.

The five organisations are meeting a significant jump in demand in the Auckland and Northland regions, and a four-fold rise in uptake of food packages and other welfare support since the nation’s lockdown began.

The Suncorp donation will help Cause Collective, Fair Food, The Salvation Army, Sikh Aware and the insurer’s community partner Shine assist people with food security, income loss, mental health, family violence and in-home educational needs.

“More than at any time in recent history, there is a need to support community groups that have direct access and can provide benefit for communities badly affected by the lockdowns,” CEO Jimmy Higgins said.

“We know the impact of these lockdowns falls very firmly on those already struggling the most and many, particularly in our Pasifika, South Auckland and Northland communities are badly affected.”

Recent severe flooding in West Auckland would also create hardship for some residents, and some community organisations would be focusing support in that area.

Hardship relief, premium reductions and excess waivers were also available to support customers, Mr Higgins said.