Mataura church offers food & showers as state of emergency remains | RNZ

A Southland church has thrown open its doors for anyone without power or water to have a shower and a cup of hot soup. | Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/RNZVideo?sub_...

Living Well Mataura is open until about 8pm and again tomorrow for people affected by Thursday's storm.

Church member Jenni Ritchie said many people, particularly in rural areas, remained cut off from the national grid.

"It occurred to us that we could do something here. We've got a new church here that's got showers and a big huge kitchen where we can cook up soup.

"People cook food, charge their phones, have some coffee and have some love."

Church members waved signs on the side of the road to let passing motorists know they could call in. By mid-afternoon, only one affected resident had taken up the offer, but another resident said they'd spread the word to people without power.

A large pot of vege soup was on the boil when RNZ called in.

While power has been restored to many homes, on Saturday afternoon, there were about 15,500 still without electricity in Southland and Otago.

Video: Andrew Johnston