Clare Curran
Dunedin South MP
2 March 2011

Dunedin South MP Clare Curran has congratulated the Dunedin City Council and community groups for creating a safe place for Christchurch residents who have been forced to flee their city following last week’s earthquake.

The ‘Christchurch Embassy’, based at the Dunedin Railway Station, will be a place of welcome and refuge for Christchurch people who want to find support and agencies to meet their needs.

“This initiative is the result of high level community coordination, not only from the Dunedin City Council but with strong support from other community leaders and groups,” Clare Curran said.

“The Council and community groups are providing a welcoming arena whereby people can connect with agencies, organisations and services that will help them settle into the city for a short or longer term stay.

“It is likely over the coming days, weeks and months there will be a large influx of Cantabrians coming to Dunedin, either on a short getaway or for a more permanent fixture. I am happy to see the Council is ensuring that the residents of Christchurch will be well looked after when they arrive.” Clare Curran said.

The ‘Christchurch Embassy’ officially opened on Tuesday 1 March. Volunteers are available to provide information for Christchurch residents about any agency, organisation or service they may need to access. The Embassy is staffed by volunteers, initially for 24 hours a day until further notice.

“The Dunedin community has banded together, and with the newly opened Embassy, Dunedin will be able to provide all the practical and emotional support that we can.

There will be a full staff of volunteers to greet people, offer them a comfortable space to relax, give information about anything Christchurch residents may require, and offer resources to people in need,” Clare Curran said.

“It is times like these that make me proud to be part of a city that reaches out welcomes our neighbours. Dunedinites should be proud of this new initiative and I extend a big welcome to all Christchurch residents for as long as they are intending to stay.”

ENDS

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