METRONEWS
© New Zealand Broadcasting School 2024

ACC declines support for victims family

George Clark
Antoinette Spicer

A man who lost his father and saw others dead in the March 15 Mosque terror attacks said ACC refused to provide him with counselling support.

Yama Nabi was ten minutes late to Friday prayers at Al Noor Mosque and lost his father Haji-Daoud Nabi.

Nabi said he contacted ACC and was shocked when they told him today he was ineligible for counselling support.

“ACC said no you’re not affected... they declined my application,” said Yama Nabi.

50 people were killed in the devastating attacks at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Masjid, with another 39 injured.

The alleged gunman will face 50 charges of murder and 39 attempted murder charges.

He will appear via audio-visual link.

ACC spokesperson James Funnel said they were unable to pay him weekly compensation while he takes time off work to recover from his experiences. He said the cooperation was bound by legislation which supports people who suffered a physical injury.

“We can only provide counselling and mental health support to injured victims, and to people who need help due to their work-related experiences (for example, Mosque employees and emergency responders).”

Funnel said Nabi was advised to contact his GP to discuss the counselling he could access through Victim Support, and ACC would cover the cost of that visit.

Where to go for help:

 
  • Canterbury Charity Hospital:

03 360 2266 or 020 4098 0750 (after hours)

  • Children caregiver helpline:

0508 CARERS (0508 227 377)

  • Depression helpline:

0800 111 757 or text 4202

  • Lifeline:                

0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357

  • Need to talk? Counsellors:

1737 (Call or text)

  • Samaritans:

0800 726 666

  • Suicide Crisis helpline:       

0508 TAUTOKO (0508 828 865)

  • Victim Support:   

0800 842 846

  • Youthline:

0800 376 633 (24/7) or text 234 (0800-0000)