MEDIA STATEMENT
Rahui Katene
Maori Party MP for Te Tai Tonga
6 September 2010

Katene highlights plight of rural Maori in quake zone

Maori Party MP for Te Tai Tonga Rahui Katene has today been visiting Maori communities and whanau in the worst affected areas of Otautahi following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake.

“There are three welfare centres in Otautahi but more need to be set up closer to where the need is, particularly in rural areas outside of the city.

“I’ve been in talks with several marae, including some in rural areas, to assess whether or not we can open them up to the public,” Mrs Katene said.

“Kaiapoi, which has a significant Maori population, is particularly in need as it was hit extremely hard by the quake so a welfare centre definitely needs to be set up there.”

A decision is expected to be made tomorrow by the committees of several marae and Civil Defence about whether or not to open them.

The current welfare centres are based in the city at Lynwood High School, Addington Raceway and Burnside High School, but it was difficult for many rural whanau to access them, Mrs Katene said.

For example, the three centres were more than a 30 minute drive away if travelling from Kaiapoi.

“Over the following days I will continue to meet with kaumatua and whanau around the area, and I will also be attending the meeting of ministers tomorrow to ensure the needs of the Maori community are not overlooked.”

ENDS

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