Tasman and Nelson open arms to Cantabrians

March 2nd, 2011
[Tasman District Council press release]

Significant numbers of people from Christchurch have been arriving in the Nelson Tasman region over the weekend seeking a break from the earthquake aftermath.

Nelson Tasman Civil Defence staff have been working this weekend to gather information and provide assistance to those arriving, said Roger Ball of Nelson Tasman Emergency Management. The Emergency Operations Centre at Nelson City Council was activated on Saturday to support this work.

“It is difficult to gauge the number of arrivals, however, anecdotal estimates have people arriving from Christchurch over the weekend numbering many hundreds. While we have information of those requesting support it appears there are a greater number staying with family and friends that do not need immediate assistance.

“While some of these people have already, or are beginning to return to Canterbury, we are endeavouring to gather as much information as possible on those who are electing to stay longer. With reports of children being enrolled in schools throughout the region as a sign of a longer term stay we need to ensure we coordinate with the various agencies to ensure these families get what they need”.

Civil Defence staff have been in touch with campgrounds and other accommodation providers, as well as marae and social agencies.

The Nelson City Council customer service centre has been staffed over the weekend and took dozens of calls from people seeking assistance. Council staff have been working with Radio Station More FM and volunteers to log offers of emergency accommodation and match them to people arriving from Christchurch.

Red Cross has been greeting visitors at the airport and visiting marae to register arrivals.

An assessment of critical supplies such as food and fuel will be undertaken by Civil Defence staff on Monday. At this point it appears that fuel supplies in Nelson Tasman have not been disrupted and there has been only minor shortages of some supermarket lines due to delays in deliveries from Christchurch.

Marae across the region have opened their doors to Christchurch residents. Nelson Tasman Civil Defence has been asked to pass on that marae accommodation is available free of charge and is open to both Maori and non-Maori. In Nelson Tasman the two marae available are:
* Whakatu marae, Atawhai Drive, Nelson, or (office hours)
* Te Awhina marae, Pah Road, Motueka , tel or

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