PDG Stuart Batty (RNZWCS) writes:
Thank you to you and your teams for the very large response to the data base.
The take up to date has not been overwhelming, but I consider we will have requests coming in for a long period ahead.
Most people we have assisted don’t want to leave the South Island and we have directed a number to points south of and including Waimate/Oamaru.
We have two families going to Canberra who have been offered all expenses paid holidays.There seems to be a number of scenarios coming out of all of this:
People are staying where they are (regardless of the damage surrounding them) and don’t want to leave Chch even for a short period.
People have left Chch permanently or intend leaving permanently – that is a concern for some employers. Some estimates are that Christchurch’s population could decline by as much as 10%.
People want to get out short term, but are hesitant about going right now (too many issues to be attended to and concern about their children’s schooling) – most don’t want to leave South Island.
People are facing 2 or 3 years or more for homes to be fixed – can’t find suitable alternatives in Chch and will move to other centres in the meantime.
Thanks to all who have offered and please let them know they are on the data base. Their availability will be reconfirmed before any specific arrangements are considered.
I am endeavouring to interview each family before making arrangements.
Kevin Stratton has been collecting and send down the offers from our District 9940 - thanks everyone for your generosity.
