25 February 2011

Media Advisory

Update on activity at Pipitea

Pipitea Marae continues to be a focal point for Wellington based aid and support for survivors of the Christchurch quake.

Evacuees are still being hosted by the marae, and donations towards the wider aid effort are still being taken there. The number of people being evacuated from Christchurch by air has significantly reduced. We are expecting some smaller groups during the day. However, a number of families are heading out of Christchurch by car and are expected at the marae this evening.

The marae will be open to all travelers all weekend, even if they just need a shower and a meal. Nau mai, haere mai.

Pipitea Marae have also established a collection point for non-perishable food items for transporting to whānau in Christchurch. Any non perishable food items will be received with thanks.

Pipitea will remain open throughout the day for donations until 7pm. The marae will reopen on Saturday and Sunday from 9am through to 7pm.

With the assistance of KPR Catering and 91ZM the marae have already arranged:
•Boxes for packing items
•People to receive and pack items
•Containers for the boxes to be loaded into
•A network in Christchurch to distribute (Waitaha Māori Business Network)
•Kiwi Rail have donated two containers to take all the donations to Christchurch (railway systems are operational). One container will leave tomorrow and another on Sunday.

Pipitea is thankful for the above support but would appreciate donations of additional boxes, tape, and marker pens.

The marae remains open as a refuge for people passing through Wellington as well.

Contact Paul Retimanu if you can donate boxes 0274 512 186.

Some other assistance received includes:
•Staff from DIA are on their way with about 50 boxes and packing tape
•Pencarrow Lions Club is dropping off toilet bags this evening as well as more new toothbrushes
•James Cook Hotel are delivering blankets and toiletries
•Treasury staff have done a collection that will be delivered to Pipitea
•A catering company from the Hutt have offered to deliver afternoon tea
•2Degrees & Digicel via Wellington company Oceanic have supplied cell phones with free international calling
•Telecom has supplied mobile data cards to allow people to email and SKYPE whānau around the world
•Someone even brought the paua from their freezer to be cooked for visitors

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