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Community groups and MPs spent the weekend scrambling to get help to families who lost homes and possessions in flooding in Auckland and other centres.
Four people died on Friday in floods caused by record rainfall.
Manukau Urban Maori chief executive Taiya Rangiheuea says despite having existing community networks and relief facilities, Mangere-based operators like MUMA were overlooked by Auckland Council when floodwaters surged through parts of the suburb.
She says they had to call Mayor Wayne Brown to tell him MUMA had set up an urgent response team to distribute aid and handle calls coming into its helpline, 0800 838 262.
“We put it to the mayor that they’ve got to speak to the community, the people whp are dealing with the community every day of the week, not just government, not just agencies,” Ms Rangiheuea says.
Despite its relief services being based at Nga Whare Waatea which partially flooded on Friday, MUMA was able to coordinate with other community agencies and help people with things like dry blankets and hot food.
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