Marae and Maori families around the country are opening their doors to Canterbury earthquake victims who have also suffered from domestic violence.
The Otautahi Women's Refuge, the only shelter dedicated to Maori women in the South Island, is severely under-staffed because its workers have left the city, leaving it struggling to cope.
A worker at the refuge, Kumeroa Johnstone, says help from Ngai Tahu and other marae throughout the country has helped ease the pressure on its services.
She says it's heartwarming to see people reach out to whanau and offer accommodation especially to those who have been left homeless, become unemployed and have been subjected to domestic violence because of the stress.
