Ways to help flood and landslide survivors and victims
Our little country is in mourning after devastating floods and landslides swept across the motu. There are many who need help. Here's a (starter) list of places you can donate. Annoyingly, some media outlets have lists of donation options behind paywalls. Which just feels like you're profiting from someone's misery.
I know all of us who have not been impacted want to help. So, I've done my best to collate a list. Please email me at emilywrites @ emilywrites.co.nz if you have others you would like me to add to the list.
Now is the time to pull together and help each other. Recovery will take a long time - physically and emotionally. We will be there for each other.
A quick note: I understand the desire to want to help with kai, boots on the ground, and clothing - but those in the worst hit areas are saying they cannot host manuhiri right now - there's no water, no electricity, barely enough resources for those who live there...So, the best way to help right now is to donate. Even $1 helps.
When there's a call for kai and clothing, I will share it. I promise. Until then, here are places to donate. Please share.
And if you have no pūtea to share, that's OK - check in with your loved ones. One of our most talented journalists Tony Wall is covering the tragic Mauao deaths. His latest piece - Tears and hugs as spirit of The Mount shines through - is a good read.
When people are heartbreaking and grieving, we know to offer love with an open heart.
Carol Wilson and Lani Doidge had never met before Sunday. But just moments after arriving at a makeshift shrine that is growing near the scene of the Mt Maunganui landslide tragedy, they were crying on each other’s shoulders.
“We don’t even know each other, but I feel like everyone could use a hug,” said Doidge, as others around her joined in the spirit and shared impromptu embraces.
Feel free to skip to the comments if you read this already in your email!
Help Matakaoa
The Far East Cape region of Matakaoa has been hit really hard, and they need your help. Donate at Manaaki Matakaoa or direct to Manaaki Matakaoa's bank account 38-9024-0343519-00 with the reference: Flood.
All donated funds will go toward flood relief.
Help Tairawhiti
The Tairawhiti Weather Event (TWE) Donation Fund is being administered by Toitu Ngāti Porou Charitable Trust. Ngāti Porou communities have been hit particularly hard and continue to manage and coordinate response efforts on the ground. Funds will be used to support those impacted in Tairāwhiti.
Account name: Toitu Ngati PorouAccount number: 06-0637-0248564-00 Reference: TWE 2026 <your name>.
Te Rawhiti Marae is deeply grateful for the manaaki from Ngātiwai Iwi. With their support, manaaki packs are being distributed to the community.
A clean‑up skip bin will also be available for everyone in Rawhiti to dispose of storm‑damaged items.
If you’d like to koha please deposit to: 03-0498-0226532-001 Ngātiwai Trust Board | Reference - Storm26
Help Thames-Coromandel
The Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund is open to all Thames-Coromandel District Council residents, ratepayers, small business owners, and not-for-profits who have suffered financial hardship because of damages caused by the flooding, storms and slips.
You can donate to the fund through bank transfer: 01-0455-0090620-02
Particulars: Your phone number | Reference: ReliefFund
Help Western Bay of Plenty
The Western Bay Emergency Fund has been set up to provide urgent financial support to local organisations, marae, and charities working directly with affected communities in Tauranga Moana and the Western Bay of Plenty.
The Fund is a joint initiative of Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, TECT, Tauranga City Council, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
Support beloved community members hit hard
The Ngatai- Cooper whānau lost everything in terrifying flash floods that hit Punaruku, which is at the foothills of Pukeamaru Maunga. Bully, Huia, and their five tamariki (the youngest is just three-years-old) were trapped on their roof for more than five hours. Now, they've lost everything. Please help them.
Arna Majstrovic is fundraising for her parents, who lost everything in the horrific slip and flooding in Te Araroa. They are uninsured, as are many families in the region, so they need help to rebuild their land and home. They will need equipment to remove debris and mud, building materials to fix their home, and cleaning supplies to clean the house.
The beautiful family who run Skipps Fish & Chips in Oakura have been hit hard by the recent flooding. They’ve lost their home and cars, and their shop is currently closed, leaving them with significant uncertainty about their future. They only had insurance for two cars. Donate here.
Lisa Maclennan, a Morrinsville School teacher, was tragically killed in the Mount Maunganui landslip. She lost her life trying to save the lives of others.
That's all for now. Get in touch if there are other funds or ways to help you'd like me to share. Arohanui and stay safe, waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa, Emily x