local marae offers helping hand
A Hamilton Marae lent a hand, and a few beds, to 48 tourists who were left stranded overnight after their hostel went up in flames.
Senior Sergeant Chris McRae said police were left to find accommodation for the tourists after the blaze on Monday night.
“We had 46-48 tourists standing on the footpath with nowhere to go at midnight while the fire was being put out and they could not return,” McRae said.
“It looks like it will be shut for some time now due to damage.”
McRae made contact with the Hui Te Rangiora Marae by calling the chief of the Kirikiriroa Māori Wardens, Gloria Dornan.
After being roused from his sleep just after midnight, the caretaker at the marae, Dennis Rangi, quickly sprung into action, opening the marae meeting house to provide a safe, comfortable space for the tourists to sleep.
Link to article: Hostel fire leaves 48 tourists stranded, local marae offers helping hand - NZ Herald
