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The Federated Farmers led 'Farmy Army' has today removed more than 1,100 tonnes of silt from quake-hit homes in the New Brighton area.
The volunteers, dubbed the The Farmy Army, have been removing debris from some of Christchurch's worst hit suburbs following last Tuesday's deadly 6.3 quake.
Two hundred volunteers were bolstered by over 20 diggers today after Federated Farmers made an open request for loaders and diggers to a gross weight of three-tonnes to join the clean up effort.
Federated Farmers earthquake spokesperson John Hartnell said each digger can easily do the work of 20 people.
"And with upwards of 25 on the job today, we're getting the tools to keep chipping away at liquefaction from inside residential sections," he said.
Volunteers also went into Ferrymead for the first time to make a tentative evaluation because organisers expect a large influx of helpers from the North Island and New Zealand Young Farmers on Wednesday.
Hartnell has called for people to donate their wheelbarrows for
the clean-up.
"I can't promise that they'll be returned and even if they do come
back, that they'll be in pristine condition, but we need at least
50 by Wednesday for our volunteers coming into Christchurch to
use."
He also called on large businesses and government departments to alert their staff to the clean-up effort Federated Farmers is leading.
"It provides a positive outlet with a satisfying outcome for many people who may be just looking for something to do," he said.
Hartnell called on government departments and big businesses who have closed their Christchurch offices, to let their their staff know they can turn up at the A and P Showgrounds between 7am and 12pm each day to join the clean-up.
Volunteer labourers are asked to bring shovels, wheelbarrows and equipment such as gumboots, gloves and sunblock as well as bottled water and their lunch.
Camping facilities are available at the showgrounds while local rugby clubs are also offering their facilities for volunteers, but they have to take personal effects, a sleeping bag and a bed roll.
Federated Farmers has also facilitated the delivery of a daily average of 200,000 litres of water into the city by Bleeker Contracting and Raymond Hart.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentroyalcourtier said on 2011-03-14 @ 21:33 NZDT: Report abusive post
The whole focus of this debate is wrong. There is no reason for any of these buildings to be demolished. It is not a case of which should be saved, but which should be demolished. There are few which cannot be saved. What people are missing is that if a building is demolished unnecessarily, and illegally, there won't be any insurance. Only the city can approve demolition - civil defence cannot do so.
Adam Chc said on 2011-03-09 @ 14:44 NZDT: Report abusive post
As a small business based near the epicentre in Christchurch we are strugeling to survive and simply can not afford a day off. I also do not think I or my staff are reasdy for a day of mourning yet. I am surprised the govenment would even consider this, it shows how out of touch they are to the impact this is having on business and staff.
annej said on 2011-03-08 @ 15:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
I must congratulate Bob Parker for his leadership and his caring nature to all people in Christchurch and his unfaultering continual contact with his people, a fine leader and the restoration of Christchurch should go through him and the council and not left to those who do not care about the uniqueness of Christchurch, sack Brownlee, send him back where he come from.
annej said on 2011-03-08 @ 15:04 NZDT: Report abusive post
At a time when the suffering is entering an unacceptable time frame of two weeks, John Key throws the baby out with the bath water and states that the government will buy the land off people who have suffered so much,this is akin to pulling the rug from underneath those who are stressed,do not know their fate and have lost loved ones, more thought and empathy is needed from central govt and to deal with the bulk of the people and not just the business sector.Thoughts and prayers to all.
Huatoki said on 2011-03-08 @ 13:37 NZDT: Report abusive post
As with every issue he's dealt with, Brownlee crashes in with an ill-advised and inflammatory attitude, then scuttles behind his officials and is unavailable for comment. Christchurch needs unifying, reassuring and competent leadership and Brownlee consistently fails on all three counts. We need resources, not divisiveness. If the minister cannot deliver them quickly and efficiently, he needs to go. We deserve better.