Watch NZH Local Focus: Kawerau marae provides a safe haven for flood victims

The Prime Minister Bill English descended on Edgecumbe this morning - but most of the residents of the flood ravaged town are holed up in another town in the district.

Local Focus travelled to Rautahi Marae in Kawerau.

Inside the wharekai, locals are supporting their neighbouring town through the unfolding disaster.

"There's been a donation of clothing, towels, blankets - they're just coming in. Car after car, after car," says Marae chairperson Te Waraki Te Ruki.

Mr Te Ruki says there is anger bubbling under the surface, as people seek a source to blame for the disaster.

Some Edgecumbe locals expressed fears about insurance issues - but Mr Te Ruki says there is a team of support to help people with those issues at the marae.

"Hei manaaki tangata. We are here to look after the people - and we'll stay here for as long as it takes."

Volunteers are preparing food for the victims, and tonight the marae will act as home to many of the displaced residents.

One of them is Tuwharetoa Hauora worker Maureen Greenfield.

"Whanau were a bit shy to come through to the marae but we told them that's what we are here for - especially with what they've gone through."

Ms Greenfield says it's the least she can do to help and urges anyone in need of support or guidance to come to the Rautahi marae.

"We've been pretty flat tack, if I'm not here, I've been going to get resources," she says.

Recent reports suggest many locals will not be allowed back to their homes until Sunday or Monday next week.

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