Katene concerned about whanau in unsafe homes

Katene concerned about whanau in unsafe homes

The Maori Party MP for Christchurch Rahui Katene is concerned that many whanau are opting to stay in their unsafe homes because they can not get to welfares centres.

“I’ve been visiting whanau and kaumatua in Dallington and Hornby and many are still without power, water and sewrage systems,” Mrs Katene said.

“Some are also without transport and gas money and therefore are unable to get to the welfare centres. As a result many are staying in their unsafe homes.

“I will be talking with government agencies about this to see what they can do to help.”

Mrs Katene also visited Pine Beach and Tuahiwi Marae yesterday, which is now open for emergency accommodation.

“I‘m very grateful to Ngai Tuahuriri who have opened their marae to the community and are providing sleeping, toilet, shower and kitchen facilities.”

At Linwood High School and Addington Raceway Mrs Katene met with families, volunteers and social service providers . These welfare centres housed upwards of 300 people last night.

“I‘m very impressed with the whanaungatanga, commumnity spirit, comraderie of those staying there – some have lost everything. I mihi to the Matenga whanau whose uplifting waiata performance to their fellow residents and volunteers at Addington was the highlight of the evening.

“At Linwood I saw people walking in off the street bringing blankets, clothes, food and toys for those staying there.

“However the real heros of this disaster are the many volunteers and community workers.”

Tomorrow Mrs Katene plans to visit marae and communities in Rapaki, Onuku and Koukourarata.

Monetary donations can be made to:

Otautahi Maori Womens Welfare League
Westpac Bank
03-0802-0099807-00
Note: Please put in the reference Ru Whenua and name.

Non-monetary donations can be sent to:

Te Tai Tonga Electorate Office
Shop 6, 317 Pages Road
Aranui
Christchurch 8061

ENDS