23 February 2011
10.00am
002

The first group of Aucklanders has departed for Christchurch to offer expert help and support to the Canterbury earthquake recovery operation.

The group left Whenuapai at 0800 this morning and include building inspectors and civil defence staff.

Auckland Civil Defence Group Controller Harry O’Rourke says this is Auckland’s response to the call for help from the National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington.

“We had the request from Wellington during the night and the first wave of technical experts and advisors has already left.

“We are putting together a second group that will leave early this afternoon.

“What’s important now is providing the much-needed support for shift changes and relieving the first wave of respondents,” he says.

The Mayor acknowledges the outpouring of support from Aucklanders and urges people to sit tight.

“Most of us know people or have families touched by this tragic earthquake. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.

“The best thing people can do now is offer monetary donations. Aucklanders were very generous in September but the need this time around is much greater. Please dig deep when appeals open,” says Len Brown.

“I have donated $10,000 this morning from the Mayoral Fund.

”By the end of today there will be 100 staff from Auckland Council on the ground in Christchurch, plus Police and Fire crews from Auckland.”

“This is just the beginning. Standby Auckland – we may be asked for other forms of assistance over the coming days and weeks,” the Mayor says.

Councillor Michael Goudie, Chair of the Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee has been working with staff in the Emergency Coordination Centre.

“It is heartening to see that Aucklanders have immediately offered their help and support. I urge you all to sit tight – right now we are mobilising more teams of civil defence staff, and technical, transport and water engineering experts,” he says.

Important information for Aucklanders:

• Red Cross person inquiry line 0800 733 276 or 0800 RED CROSS
• Government help line 0800 779 997.

ENDS

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