August 16, 2016
Manurewa opens marae to homeless
Manurewa Marae has opened its doors to families in need of emergency accommodation.
Spokesperson Rangi McLean says the Po Marie shelter will operate four nights a week, Monday to Thursday, for the next 12 weeks except when the marae is required for a tangihanga.
Families wanting to access the emergency shelter will need to register before 2pm that day.
Mr McLean says, with Te Puea Marae in Mangere closing its doors, the people sleeping in cars or rough still need some respite options.
He says it has taken several months for the marae community to put the necessary infrastructure and support in place.
More than 200 volunteers have signed up to support the programme and the marae is also working with government agencies to offer a range of services and seminars.
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