Hawke's Bay Response to Christchurch Quake Proposed

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Our experience of tragedy and recovery from the 1931 Hawke’s Bay Earthquake means the Bay has a strong empathy with the people of Christchurch, hit by a devastating shallow 6.3 magnitude quake yesterday.

In September, Hawke’s Bay sent $250,000 to Canterbury and gave 15 families a break from the frightening aftershocks.

However, Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule and Napier Mayor Barbara Arnott agree the devastation and loss of life that Christchurch has now suffered needs a more long-term response.

“Our Civil Defence and Building resources are available to Christchurch now and the National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington is aware of the skills and experience we have. We are currently mustering our team in readiness and we will respond with whatever they need for the immediate recovery phase,” they say.

However, for the people of Christchurch, the affects will be more long-term.

“We are asking that the people of Hawke’s Bay open their homes to survivors and we know they will. Napier and Hastings will jointly prepare a package that will take families out of the stricken area,” Mayor Arnott and Mayor Yule say.

Details will be announced in the next few days when transport and the practical administrative details are organised.

Hawke’s Bay people are looking for a way to help and both Mayors have a plan they believe will be the most effective way of easing the burden on Christchurch families.

“There are powerful aftershocks fraying already stretched nerves, basic infrastructure may take several weeks to restore and many homes have been destroyed – these people need respite from this disaster now. We know the people of Napier and Hastings will open their hearts and homes to the people of Christchurch,” they say.

To register your interest in taking in a Christchurch family please:

Visit Hastings District Council’s website www.hastingsdc.govt.nz or call (06) 871 5000

Visit Napier City Council’s website www.napier.govt.nz or call (06) 834 4114

Alternatively, to make a cash donation to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal go to the Red Cross website www.redcross.org.nz