23 February 2011

Assistance for Christchurch

Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori called a hui of Wellington based Māori sector agencies today to discuss how to provide assistance to the people affected by yesterday’s earthquake which has devastated Christchurch.

Te Puni Kōkiri head office will open its doors tomorrow to accept emergency supplies to assist those worst affected by the earthquake. Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori Chief Executive Glenis Philip-Barbara says this is a human response to a very real tragedy.

“As a first step we are seeking items that will make life a little more bearable for people left homeless and scared”.

The list of items includes:
- First Aid kits
- Latex gloves
- Gas burners
- Billy pots
- Matches
- Plastic rubbish bags
- Toilet paper
- Wipes
- Sanitary pads
- Tarpaulins
- Packing boxes and wrapping materials

Additionally Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust has availed its premises as a drop off point for kai which will then be transported to venues around the Wellington area that are taking in Christchurch evacuees.

While there is a whole of government coordinated response, all of the agencies have been overwhelmed by staff wanting to contribute to the rescue and recovery efforts.

Staff from all agencies are on standby to be deployed to emergency centers around Wellington awaiting the arrival of earthquake victims. They have also made themselves available to assist with packing donated items.

Location details for supply items destined for Christchurch:
Where: Te Puni Kōkiri, Lambton Quay
When: 24-25 February

Location details for kai items destined for hosting venues across Wellington:
Where: Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust, 67 Hankey St, Mount Cook
When: 24-25 February

There are a number of other organisations who have indicated their premises as possible collection sites, and as these locations are confirmed, we will advise accordingly.

ENDS

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