DO what YOU can - KINDNESS in a CRISIS


Last Thursday morning a landslide from Mauao hit the Mount Maunganui Holiday Park and Mount Hot Pools. Teams of responders worked around the clock in dangerous conditions to reach trapped people. 
The local community including iwi rallied around the rescuers and affected families. Generous offers of accommodation, free food, drinks and prayers were given and accepted. Locals, Rachel and Brooke arrived in Pilot Bay with armloads of muffins for the rescuers. They acknowledged that they were unable to do work on the ground, “But what we can do is bake and offer our support with kai (food). We want to show how much we appreciate them and our gratitude for everyone.” 
The team leader of the Rapid Response unit Doug said that trained volunteers have been working in shifts making meals for rescuers. He also said that the searchers had shown huge dedication in trying to find the lost people. “They don’t give up.” 
Rachel, a director of Little Big Markets cancelled their markets, so they could provide free coffee and food for frontline workers, volunteers and families directly involved. “Let’s do what we do best as a community and wrap our arms around them in any way we can.” 
In addition, with tragic news that there were no survivors, the Tauranga City council in partnership with tangata whenua opened the He Mamai Aroha Community Care Centre as a quiet, respectful space for people to reflect, leave messages of aroha (love) and support for one another.

Thanks to Radio New Zealand, The Bay Of Plenty Times and The Tauranga City Council for background information.

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