The Māori Recovery Network - supporting people in Ōtautahi

I don't want to diminish the suffering and loss that the people of Ōtautahi have experienced because of the earthquake. They are still in the middle of it - I have had many conversations with quake refugees and they all are still working through many things - from childrens nightmares to what the hell to do about a job. There are many organisations helping and that is good. I want to make special mention of this outstanding initiative from Ngāi Tahu - The Māori Recovery Network.

A Ngāi Tahu- led collaboration of Māori organisations, formed to support the people of Christchurch following the February 22 earthquake.

The Network's kaupapa (purpose) is to reach out to, support and assist whānau (families) in the worst effected Eastern suburbs of Ōtautahi. The Māori Recovery Network works in a Māori way and is committed to supporting Māori and non-Māori whānau.

The Māori Recovery Network includes Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Te Puni Kokiri, He Oranga Pounamu, Ngā Maata Waka, Māori Wardens, Māori health and social service providers, Māori Party and the wider Māori network— organisations with memberships committed to supporting the recovery effort.

Collaborative, people focused, cooperative, daily updates - this is mana in action and it is awesome to see Ngāi Tahu take a lead role in the recovery of the people and the region. It is making a difference

Total number of contacts as at: 5.00pm Tues 5 April 2011 6795

Whānau with home safety concerns 150
Whanau requesting food parcels 478
Whanau requesting water 496
Whānau needing medication attention 194
Whānau needing clothing / bedding, etc 107
Whānau needing transport 71
Whānau needing assistance with filling out paperwork 30
Whānau needing counselling 95
Whānau needing respite for family 19
Whānau needing assistance with cleanup labour 52
Whānau members registered with Red Cross 1171
Whānau members registered with WINZ 923

Our kaiwhakahaere has come out with some good ideas around upskilling and trades and also using the expertise Ngāi Tahu have in 'Green Building' - this is what we want and i feel pride in seeing the values of manaakitanga, kotahitanga and rangatiratanga being displayed - thank you.