Goods from Wellington on their way to Christchurch

Media statement
28 February 2011
For immediate use

Three containers of goods donated by the people of Wellington are on their way to Christchurch, and are expected to arrive at around six tomorrow morning.

Bottled water, toiletries, non-perishable food, clothes and tools to fill the three shipping containers were delivered to Pipitea Marae in little over three days.

Pipitea Marae Trustees Chairman, Mahara Okeroa, said people from all walks of life have donated goods, their time and have made all manner of generous offers over the last few days.

“We offered up the marae as a collection point for goods for the people of Christchurch when we sensed there was a need and it just snowballed,” Mr Okeroa said.

He said it had been a wonderful community effort.

The goods would go to an aid centre set up by Ngai Tahu at the former Wigram Force Base were they would be distributed to those in need.

Meanwhile, Mr Okeroa said they had started winding down their relief efforts at Pipitea Marae.

“The number of people coming through from Christchurch has dropped right away.

“However, we are able to respond quickly if large numbers of people need to be accommodated.

ENDS

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