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Inglewood pensioner's Australian connection kept groceries coming in lockdown

Local News People
PUBLISHED: 7 SEP 2021
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Wanting to avoid lockdown shopping at the local supermarket and not being on the internet, one NPDC Housing for the Elderly resident found another way to get her groceries – via Australia.

Inglewood woman Natalie McDermott, 73, phones her shopping list to her Sydney-based son, Sean, and he places delivery orders online with a supermarket in New Plymouth.

“It’s great because he’s working from home so we get to keep in touch on the phone. I get to speak to the grandkids and while we’re chatting he sets up my order with Countdown so they can deliver it,” says Natalie.

Her NPDC Housing for the Elderly flat has helped keep her safe and connected during lockdown.

“I’ve got everything I need and I can also walk to the dairy every day and buy a paper while getting some exercise,” she says.

NPDC Housing Officer Kaye Thorpe has been doing a regular ring-around of tenants to make sure they have what they need and that they’re keeping in touch with friends and whanau.

“All our tenants are safe in their bubbles and living independently, but we kept in touch just in case they need help or advice,” says Kaye.

“We’ll be resuming our scheduled visits within the safe working rules to check on them in person when we get back to Level 2.”

NPDC has 140 bedsits and one-bedroom units to let to elderly tenants in New Plymouth, Bell Block, Inglewood and Waitara.  

Stay safe in lockdown:

  • For all the latest updates check out the Covid 19 website.
  • If you’re feeling unwell or need medical advice, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 anytime.
  • For COVID-19 health advice call 0800 358 5453 anytime.

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Page last updated: 10:28pm Tue 26 October 2021

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