The quick response of the Waitati community, which swung into action to help stranded motorists on Sunday night, has earned praise and gratitude.
Sunday’s snowfall caused problems on the roads and closed Dunedin’s Northern Motorway, and other roads in the area overnight, preventing dozens of trucks and motorists from making the trip over the hills into the city.
Waitati resident and Dunedin city councillor Mandy Mayhem said the local group leapt into action quickly to help about 50 trapped motorists, including several large family groups. Many were embarking on school holiday trips.
"There were abandoned cars scattered all over the hill, and we could see vehicles trying every which way they could to get into town, and then looping back to Waitati Hall," Cr Mayhem said.
The group did a sweep down the queue of cars at the closed-off base of the motorway, knocking on windows and offering people warmth, food and beds at the hall, in local homes and at Te Whare Wananga.
Chatting with those who arrived at the hall for shelter revealed a range of interesting stories, and many were exhausted after long journeys, Cr Mayhem said.
Two Filipino men on their way to Milton for work, four young missionaries from Timaru, a young couple who had flown into Christchurch from Australia, a Chinese family and a nine-member Afghan family were among those in need of help.
Along with putting people up in their homes, local people also helped out with blankets and pillows.
"People were very grateful to be warm, safe, fed and informed about what was happening — we had a lot of lovely feedback."
