Marae's Christchurch refugee assistance programme scaled back

March 8th, 2011

Te Awhina Marae has scaled back its facilities set up to cater for people seeking some form of relief in our region from the Christchurch earthquake aftermath, but its work looking after and catering for people needing help continues.

The Marae has mounted a superb effort, much admired throughout Motueka, to offer accommodation, food and friendship for eathquake "refugees", which you can read about here.

"We will no longer have the doors open 24/7, but rather from 8am to 10pm daily," explains Ann Martin, one of the team of Marae workers.

"There has been a steady flow of people through the centre, with a variety of needs. Some have found work and have moved to backpackers accommodation, some have returned to Christchurch, some found accommodation locally, some have moved on.

"We are giving out food, clothing, toiletries and bedding etc to local families who are looking after evacuees. This has become a bit more noticeable during the weekend. I guess families have coped initially but now realise the financial impact of having more mouths to feed and clothe. We are also welcoming Christchurch families for meals to help reduce that financial impact and stress on their hosts."

Ann reflects on the motivation of the Marae team: "He aha te mea nui o te Ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, people, people."

Editorial update:
[Posted 21 March 2011]

Marae representative Ann Martin said today the evacuation centre at Te Awhina has now been closed. "Many, many thanks to our wonderful Motueka Community for all the donations, and support which has been provided in so many ways. This morning we sent a considerable amount of bedding, towels, toiletries etc and clothing to Nga Hau e Wha Marae in Chch. Many thanks to 3R Group for providing space in their truck. We will send more eventually."

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