14 Oct 2011

Call for food donations for Motiti Island residents

10:23 am on 14 October 2011

Waiariki MP Te Ururoa Flavell is urging the public to donate food for people who live on Motiti Island because the oil slick has wiped out their main food source.

The shoreline of the island, about 7km from the ship's grounding site, has a thick coating of oil.

Mr Flavell says many of the 35 permanent residents rely on the sea for food.

He says food supplies are running low, and the public can help by donating non-perishable food items and bottled water via his offices.

Mr Flavell says he hopes a shipload can be sent to the island next week.