16 Aug 2011

Wellington marae help kaumatua after snow storms

7:37 pm on 16 August 2011

Some marae in Wellington are lending a hand and an ear to kaumatua because of the snow storm that's hit many parts of the country.

Households in Upper Hutt have been affected by power outages since Monday night.

Two marae in the area say they have been visiting and calling kaumatua to check on their well-being.

The service manager at Orongomai Marae in Upper Hutt, Linda Pahi, says it's postponed its Annual General Meeting scheduled for Tuesday night.

Ms Pahi says after the Canterbury disasters the pa established a welfare strategy to ensure kaumatua have plenty water and a civil defence kit.

Another marae - Koraunui in Stokes Valley says its kaumatua are all safe and well despite being cold.