SkyCity blaze: Kind Aucklanders donate overwhelming amount of food and drink to firefighters

Wednesday, 23 October 2019

The fire continues to burn in the Auckland Convention Centre, as seen from a nearby apartment

Firefighters battling a large inferno at the under-construction SkyCity Convention Centre have received donations from kindly Aucklanders and businesses in the CBD.

Thick black smoke has been enveloping the city since the fire broke out on Tuesday and several roads are currently closed off.

Firefighters have been inundated with so many donations of food from the public to the central Auckland station that they are asking the public to stop for the time being.

Donations of food and water are pouring in for those battling the blaze.

HeadQuarters Viaduct, a popular bar on Customs St West, offered firefighters free food, drinks, and a place to relax.

**READ MORE:

Firefighters have been battling the blaze for more than 24 hours.

* Live: SkyCity Auckland Convention Centre fire

* People advised to stay out of CBD as blaze rages on

* Auckland fire causes gridlock

* Pictures show firefighters battling huge CBD blaze

* First look: inside NZ's largest convention centre construction in Auckland**

'Hi fire crews,' a post on Facebook read.

'If you need a break or a lay down come to HQ. The food and drink is on us while you're dealing with this fiasco.

'Don't even ring, just turn up. We known you, you know us, you're gold, and we owe you this.'

Rakuten Japanese Cuisine is also offering free meals.

'In support of all those who are combating the NZICC fire, we will be open to provide free meals to the firefighters and emergency personnel.

'We are located near the area shown on the map and please just show up for a rest and a meal.'

Nicola Fox, left, and Jess Bilinski, right, delivered coffees to emergency services battling the Auckland inferno.

The eateries weren't the only ones offering help - with two women up early on Wednesday morning to deliver coffees to emergency services.

Nicola Fox and Jess Bilinski delivered more than 100 coffees to police, firefighters and St John personnel.

Fox said she saw the crews working tirelessly again this morning as flames towered into the air while she was biking to work.

'It's like Armageddon down here. It's apocalyptic.'

She and Bilinski resolved to do their small part to help on the efforts and have throughout the morning been ferrying dozens of flat whites to the waiting and appreciative crews.

'They've really earned it.'

On Twitter, people had also asked how they could donate items such as whole fruits and bottled water.

'We are directing food and drink donations to the Auckland City Fire Station on Pitt Street and to drop off around the back,' Fire and Emergency said.

'Donations are greatly appreciated by our firefighters.'

Fire and Emergency continued saying: 'Wow – we have some amazing Kiwis.

'Our firefighters have been well fed through donations of food and drink today. At this time we need to put a hold on donations until our current supply can be eaten. Cheers NZ.'

A shared office space has also offered itself up to people who needed a place to work.

'Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the brave firefighters fighting the fire at the convention centre,' The Crate Flexible Office Space said on Facebook.

'If you normally work in the CBD and are unable to today due to this fire then you are welcome to work out of The Crate today complimentary.'

Those who were interested can contact Andy on 021 920 442 or 09 972 0627 to book a spot.