Update form Pipitea marae – Saturday 26 February

Pipitea Marae will stop receiving goods to be sent to Christchurch at 7pm this evening. But, if people still want to donate something bottled water was the priority.

Marae Trustee Aroha Thorpe said the response from Wellingtonians has been superb.

“The number of people from all sections of the community who have turned up at the marae over the last few days to help has been incredibly heartening.”

“They have come to support the people who have fled Christchurch or to help with sorting and packing donated goods. They just want to do something.

“Initially the marae was going to collect goods all weekend. However, we can have too much of a good thing and need to make sure that what we do is helpful and not a hindrance,” she said.

Two containers worth of non-perishable food and goods had been delivered to the marae in a little over 24 hours and arrangements which was amazing,” she said.

A third container is now being loaded and arrangements have been made to have those delivered those to Christchurch on Sunday or Monday. A network – including Ngai Tahu and Government agencies – will distribute the goods to those in need.

Mrs Thorpe said the focus would now switch to fundraising and people who still wanted to do something to help could contribute to one of the many funds which had been established.

However, the marae will stay open all weekend for travelers heading North from Christchurch needing a bed, a meal, a shower or just a place to rest for a while.

A handful of people stayed last night and some more people arrived this morning.

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