December 10, 2019
Christmas Dreams Come True for Whanau at Mangere Urban Marae
Immediate Release
11 December 2019
Christmas Dreams Come True for Whānau at Mangere Urban Marae
From today for eight days Ngā Whare Waatea Marae in Mangere is distributing 1600 food parcels and presents to support whānau in the lead-up to Christmas.
At 10pm last night 60 whānau were already camped outside the gate and by 6.30am this morning several hundred were waiting.
It’s the second year the Marae has joined forces with Auckland City Mission to make Christmas dreams come true for whānau.
The food parcels contain boxed and canned non-perishable items with fresh meat and vegetables. Gifts allocated according to gender and age are ready for distribution.
“We know it’s a struggle for many in particular at this time of year. So this Christmas event is an opportunity for MUMA, Ngā Whare Waatea Marae and all those that support the kaupapa to show how much we care about our community simply by giving to our whānau in need,” Whānau Ora Manager, Veronica Henare says.
The Marae will be able to distribute goods to 200 whānau daily. They will be able to opt-in to be assessed for various whānau ora support services..
Support is also available from Work and Income.
WINZ have set-up a dedicated satellite team on the Marae to expedite the process.
Mark Goldsmith, MSD Auckland Regional Commissioner says "We’ve supported the Auckland City Mission Christmas Operation every Christmas since 2007. This has expanded to include MSD staff on site at the Mission at Eden Park, Papakura Marae and in Manukau Urban Māori Authority in Mangere. For the first time this year we’ve also got a team at Vision West Community Trust in Glen Eden.
Christmas and the holidays can be a difficult time of year for some and we’re encouraging people to come see us or talk to us at any time if they need help. They can do this by free-phoning 0800 559 009, visiting their nearest Work and Income service centre or via MyMSD.
We have a team of 22 case managers across four community sites in Auckland ensuring people coming in for food parcels and presents get the government support they’re entitled to.
If the marae, City Mission or community site staff identify someone who may be eligible for financial assistance through a food grant, our MSD staff are there to process this on-site for them. We’re also able to help connect individuals and whānau to one of our local Work and Income service centres for further support if needed. We also offer an online guide for people to find out more about how we can help https://check.msd.govt.nz/
MUMA is still actively seeking further donations such as new toys, non-perishable food, bottled water, sunblock, gift hampers and blankets to give to those waiting in the queues. Products can be brought to the Marae at 31 Calthorpe Close in Favona.
A portable stage has been erected on the South Auckland site to showcase the talents of kapa haka groups from the Marae and Kura. Organisers hope more offers of free entertainment will be made direct to the Marae.
Waatea News will operate a BBQ manned by a line-up of well known faces including Dale Husband and Scotty Morrison who will be running a spot quiz this Thursday.
“It’s a real honour to be hosting and supporting this important kaupapa once again for our whānau,” Wyn Osborne, CEO of MUMA says.
In 2018 Ngā Whare Waatea was overwhelmed by the demand for assistance. The need is clearly just as great this year and the Marae is super prepared thanks to the support of an army of 90 volunteers from AUT, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, MUMA staff and the local community.
For daily updates please go to https://www.muma.co.nz/ and https://www.facebook.com/muma.org .
ENDS
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