Hon Jim Anderton

Member of Parliament for Wigram

20 April 2011 Media Statement

Protective gear for recovery arrives in time for Winter

Wigram MP Jim Anderton has been working with an Auckland company to ship much needed supplies for workers cleaning up in Christchurch after the February earthquake.

The $200,000 shipment from Auckland safety company MSA, contains 25 pallets of protective gear including hard hats, wet weather, warm clothing and gloves, which are needed by workers involved in the recovery process throughout the cold winter months.

Ken Hindmarsh, Sales and Operations Manager of MSA says “The plight of many in Christchurch and the losses endured by our close neighbour have remained foremost in our thoughts from the earliest quake.

“It’s important the key front line operators work without concerns over supplies of vital equipment. To aid the recovery effort, we have provided an additional 25 pallets of personal protective equipment including head, hand and eye protection and hi-viz protective garments”.

The products arrive in Christchurch at the end of the week and have been donated free of charge to Civil Defence, who will hand out the goods to any Christchurch organisation involved in the recovery process which requires protective clothing.

Last month, Jim Anderton arranged $300,000 worth of medical and safety equipment from another Auckland company Fabricell, which has been made available to Christchurch hospitals, clinics, recovery centres, rest homes, clean-up operations and food shelters through Civil Defence logistics.

“As the recovery process moves in to winter, recovery workers can’t let the weather get in the way of their efforts. This donation of protective equipment which is in short supply right now is timely, thoughtful and an example of the generosity of New Zealanders”, said Jim Anderton.

“So much is being done across the country for Christchurch in its time of need, there’s much to be thankful for”.

- ends -

© Scoop Media