February 02, 2023
Awataha Marae hub for North Shore releif effort
Northcote MP Shanan Halbert says this week’s floods have brought home to people the need to have water infrastructure that is fit for purpose in the face of climate change.
Labour has been under fire for its three water reforms, which aim to ensure long-delayed work on fresh waters, storm water and waste water services can go ahead without being at the mercy of local body politicians trying to keep the rate bill down.
Mr Halbert says Raki Pae Whenua North Shore was hammered by the heavy rains of the past few days, with flooding in the Wairau Valley and slips in coastal areas and inland ecological pockets.
He helped establish a manaaki centre at Awataha Marae offering support and shelter to affected whanau.
“The work we’ve done at Awataha Marae has brought together our Maori community, our Maori wardens, our North Shore Pacific community, our Islamic community and our Chinese community, collectively responding to the needs of all of North Shore. It’s been a massive effort and I’m proud not only of the work that has been done but the relationships that have been established through the past couple of days,” Mr Halbert says.