Maori wardens have just stood down after helping in Christchurch where they were embraced by everyone they met in the city.
Waatea News reports the wardens knocked on an average of 700 doors per day.
Tireo Hemi, of Whanganui, says that as late as two weeks after the earthquake on 22 February, the wardens were still finding they were the first official contact many residents had had.
Help needed ranged from food and water to emotional support, and many hugs were given, he says.
