Middlemore Hospital’s public plea, Christmas mayhem hits Auckland airport and why Christmas dessert might be a bit pricier this year in the latest NZ Herald headlines.
Video / AP / NZHerald
All hands are on deck at the Christmas drive, with two-thirds of staff, about 80 people, making the event happen - even Kake is handing out ice-blocks to those waiting in line.
Cars waiting at the Papakura marae Christmas assistance drive on December 21, 2023. Photo / Maia Ingoe, RNZ
This year, the marae is aiming to give its Christmas parcels to where it is most needed, by inviting whānau already working with the marae to the Christmas drive.
“If we can target those whānau in need, with a lot of kids, doing it tough this time of year, that’s prioritising them to bring a little cheer to their lives,” Kake said.
The cost of living, interest rates and rising Auckland rents have been hard on many whānau this year, he said.
“If we had double the amount, we’d soon find people that are needy.”
Kake extended an invitation to the Government, and the Prime Minister, to come to the marae and see what they do.
“It’s a juggling act, but my message to the Government is to understand us, understand how we operate, and understand our relationship to our community.”
Staff wearing orange hi-vis vests run back and forth between the wharenui and waiting cars, pushing shopping trolleys filled with presents, food vouchers, and the odd pavlova too.
“We’ve got this thing called ‘ka whiti te ra’. We want our whānau to experience more sunny days than rainy days.
“So for me, this whole opportunity is all about creating more sunny days for our families.”
