Local Focus traveled to Rautahi Marae in Kawerau, where locals are banding together to support the victims of the Edgecumbe flood disaster. Made with funding from NZ On Air.
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 unfoldingdisaster.
"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.
