23 February 2011

The Pipitea Marae in Thorndon and Te Raukura, the new wharewaka on the Wellington waterfront, have been opened up to accommodate people (mainly tourists as this stage) who are leaving Christchurch today to escape the aftermath of yesterday’s earthquake.

It is expected up to 1,200 people will transit through Wellington today and tonight.

Wellington Maori leader, Professor Sir Ngatata Love, said the trustees of the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust, Pipitea Marae Charitable Trust and Te Raukura had agreed without hesitation to offer whatever support they could to the national emergency evacuation plan.

“Some are staying a few hours before they catch other flights or make other travel arrangements.

“Some will need to stay overnight.

“The National State of Emergency declared today by the Prime Minister brings into sharp focus the extraordinary hardship being suffered by the many communities of Christchurch and Canterbury,” Professor Love said.

“Wellington City Council is coordinating the emergency evacuation plan for Wellington including the logistics around those arriving in the city. We will provide a place for them to go, meals while they are there and whatever other support is needed,” he said.

ENDS

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