Thanks and aroha have been sent from the Far North to the Waitaki, for the support sent its way following Cyclone Gabrielle. 

Fundraising efforts in the Waitaki reached more than $11,000, to support the Far North District Council Mayoral Relief Fund, following the devastating February cyclone.

At the Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) conference, held in Christchurch last month (26-28 July), Far North Mayor Moko Tepania and councillor John Vujcich caught up with attending Waitaki District councillors and chief executive Alex Parmley, to present them with a certificate in recognition of the “generous contribution to the Cyclone Gabrielle Mayoral Relief Fund and support and care provided to our communities”.

“We are so grateful in the Far North for the significant contributions our Waitaki whānau have made to our Mayoral Relief Fund. It’s great to be able to thank the Waitaki District Council in person and pass on a small token of appreciation,” Moko said.

Waitaki deputy mayor Hana Halalele thanked Moko on behalf of Waitaki residents, and said it was a “great privilege”. 

“I am personally very proud of everyone’s efforts in our community to support our friends and the communities of the Far North District after the hardship they have suffered through the cyclone," she said.

“It is great to know our collective efforts in Waitaki have been appreciated and have made a positive difference to people’s lives.”

When Cyclone Gabrielle struck the North Island earlier this year, causing significant damage to housing and infrastructure, Waitaki District Council was one of the first to join LGNZ’s Adopt a Community initiative, which paired it with Far North.

Fundraising efforts included a variety show fundraiser at the Ōamaru Opera House, with elected council members performing alongside other local talent; accommodation, pamper and food packages, created by residents from Northanjer and Southanjer rest homes, were raffled using donations from local businesses, community groups and families across the district; and an online auction of paintings donated by local artist Ken Laraman, drew bids totalling more than $2000.

Funds raised have gone towards assisting Far North District residents, community organisations and small businesses recover from the impacts of the cyclone.