Te Pāti Māori is calling on the Government to urgently deliver a dedicated Marae Resilience Package, ensuring marae and communities are fully resourced and prepared ahead of Cyclone Vaianu. Co-leader and Waiariki MP Rawiri Waititi says it is the Government’s responsibility to act before disaster strikes, not after.

“Our first concern is the safety of our people. Marae are often the first-place people turn to in a civil emergency. They need essential access to power, water, supplies, and communications before disaster hits. Marae must be empowered and properly resourced to meet the urgent needs of our communities" said Waititi.

“During emergencies like Cyclone Gabrielle, Covid-19 and the Christchurch earthquakes, marae acted as frontline shelters and coordination hubs without formal support, funding, or legal recognition. Marae cannot continue to carry the magnitude of response needed in the wake of civil emergencies alone.”

Te Pāti Māori is demanding immediate rollout of the Marae Resilience Package, including:

• Formal Recognition of Marae as emergency response hubs

Upfront Government funding for emergency supplies and infrastructure

• Access to generators, water storage, and communications systems
• Long-term investment to strengthen marae as civil defence hubs

Waititi said the potential impact of Cyclone Vaianu highlights the urgent need for proactive Government action.

“These are no longer once in a generation weather events. Year after year our communities carry the load. Many marae are still expected to respond and rebuild without the Government providing any proper support or investment.”

“Marae must be recognised for what they already are, essential. They must be valued as such, and it is the responsibility of the Government to invest in their protection, their sustainability, and their evolution. When our marae thrive, so too do our people.”

Te Pāti Māori urges the Government to act now, and whānau to stay connected, follow local guidance, and check in on kaumātua and neighbours as Cyclone Vaianu approaches

© Scoop Media