Huge help for cyclone sufferers

By Frank Neill

The generosity of Wainuiomata people and the outstanding leadership provided by the K kiri Marae and the Wainuiomata Marae resulted in massive assistance for people living on the East Coast who were affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Two truck and trailer loads containing mainly food, clothing and blankets travelled from K kiri Marae – one going to Ruatoria and the other to Gisborne.

One truck contained 60 pallets of food and clothing, while the other truck contained 52 pallets, and the two trucks and trailers were loaded on the weekend of 25 and 26 February.

“We estimated that the stuff that left K kiri Marae was a shade over quarter of a million dollars,” Star Olsen, the Wainuiomata Marae Chair, told the “Wainuiomata News”.

“That was amazing.

“That’s the beauty of a Marae – people respond when you put the call out,” Star said.

“The Wainuiomata Marae also put the call out and people have been dropping off their donations.

“Wh nau have been taking these goods to towns like Wairoa and Ruatoria in their vehicles.”

That work is continuing, as no end is in sight for the wh nau who have been badly affected by the cyclone.

Wainuiomata Marae continues to be open from 9am to 5pm daily to receive donated goods, ready for wh nau to transport to designated towns.

Every day volunteers at the Marae are sorting the donations and packing them into bags ready to be transported, particularly to families that have missed out to date.

When the “Wainuiomata News” went to print, the Marae also had a number of vans packed and ready to take much needed items to East Coast towns.

Wainuiomata Marae is not taking any monetary donations, however K kiri Mare has set up a fund to assist people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle and is receiving donations.

Both the Wainuiomata Marae and K kiri Marae are very appreciative of the support given by the Wainuiomata community, and thank people very much for their donations.