“I wanted to do something. And when we're down here unable to turn up with baking or a shovel, we can bring our A-game in other ways,” Kurow-based photographer Chloe Lodge says.

Scenes of devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in the North Island are difficult to fathom as the sun beams down in the Waitaki, but people here are determined to do their bit to help.

Businesses, groups and individuals are all stepping up in an effort to gather funds and goods for those affected by the destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Chloe offered mini photo sessions on Saturday and Sunday for $50, and managed to raise $1098 to go to the Red Cross.

“Photos are one of the most treasured possessions people hold and I can make those happen.” 

It was her way using her skills, and giving something back to those who donate. 

“It's like a circle of love and support.” 

She was grateful to the families who came along and took part, and there was a real sense of joy and love within the community, too, which was important to foster, she said.

“We need to be there for each other, because next time it could be the South that gets hit hard by something.”

Chloe Lodge hard at work in Kurow over the weekend. PHOTO: Supplied/Chloe Lodge

Waitaki mayor Gary Kircher said Central Otago mayor Tim Cadogan had come up with a proposal to match unaffected councils which were in a position to help, with councils hit hardest by Cyclone Gabrielle, to give support.

He had been in touch with Local Government New Zealand and was creating an initiative called Adopt a District, which Gary was keen for the Waitaki District Council to get behind.

“We've already sent several staff members to help out up north, and we love the idea of focusing our efforts and our community's support on one of the most affected districts, so we can make a meaningful difference.

“Once we get this coordinated via Local Government NZ, we'll let all of you who want to help, know what you can do for our mates most affected by the cyclone,” he said.

He expected to know later this week which district the Waitaki would “adopt”.

Meanwhile Andrew Dickson and Merlyn Hay of Whiterocks Stud and Feed, just south of Ōamaru, have been inundated by people wanting to help Hawkes Bay farmers by sponsoring hay bales and lucerne pellets to be shipped where they are needed most. 

“The idea was we decided to just donate some product ourselves, and we thought there was a lot of people out there, in kind, that probably wanted to do something, but didn’t necessarily know how to,” Andrew said.

The couple decided they could afford to donate a tonne of lucerne pellets, and 20 conventional bales of haylage, and offered the opportunity for people to sponsor more bales at cost, to fill their truck - it could take about another 50 bales. 

The response was “a wee bit overwhelming”, Andrew said.

Merlyn said they had been talking to Ministry of Primary Industries and The Hay Convoy about what was needed and what would be useful. 

“So we offered to our clients, just on Facebook, do you guys want to sponsor some haylage to head up north, and within 20 hours we had 300 bales offered - which is amazing. 

“They’re wrapped, they can be easily stored, they can be manhandled, and they can be put in a helicopter and carried around. You don’t need big machinery to move it, and it’s really good quality feed, and that was what they were wanting or hoping for.”

One full truck and trailer load had already been taken to Christchurch, and there would be at least another two loads, she said.

“And then it’s being trucked all the way up to the Hawkes Bay from there.

“My understanding is that MPI is helping fund that transport from Chch, and local transport operators are getting involved too, and they’re really just coming together.” 

Merlyn said the response had been “crazy”. 

“We were just thinking it would be good to send some feed up to these guys, so it’s been pretty amazing.”