Whanganui Mayoral Relief Fund to support cyclone-hit Hastings

Published on 05 April 2023

The Whanganui Mayoral Relief Fund to support those most affected by Cyclone Gabrielle has now reached $81,665 – thanks to the generosity of local community members and businesses who have donated to support fellow Kiwis in need.

Whanganui District Mayor, Andrew Tripe, says the amount raised is a testament to the compassionate nature of our local community.

“It’s been really inspiring to see people from all walks of life give what they can, even amidst a cost-of-living crisis, to help communities so desperately in need following the devastating events of Cyclone Gabrielle.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the work done by my fellow councillors, particularly Rob Vinsen and Jenny Duncan, who have been instrumental in driving this campaign. Many of our council staff have also generously given their time, often over the weekend, to support our fundraising efforts.”

Mayor Tripe says the council will transfer an initial amount of $50,000 directly to the Hastings Mayoral Relief Fund today – with Whanganui having been paired with Hastings through Local Government New Zealand’s Adopt-a-Community campaign.

“Hastings is one of the most severely affected regions with damage to more than 28,000 homes and 800km of rural road. Hastings is also a region that also shares a lot in common with Whanganui, so it’s fitting that we’re able to support them in their time of need.”

Mayor Tripe says the remaining balance will be transferred once the fundraising efforts have drawn to a close.

“We’re aware of community groups in Whanganui that are still actively raising funds to support this initiative, so we’ll keep it running a while longer yet. We know the recovery efforts in Hastings will take months, if not years, so any additional funds we can send will be much needed.”

Hastings District Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst, said the generosity of the Whanganui community was hugely appreciated.

“These funds will be distributed through our Hastings Mayoral Relief Fund to assist residents who have been affected by the cyclone, or groups who are supporting the recovery. This means the assistance will go directly to people in need – or those groups helping them face the challenges of this devastating event.”

Mayor Hazlehurst says Whanganui’s donations could include support for general cleaning up and removal of silt if they don’t have insurance – or anything else that might be needed, to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

“For those who have lost everything every little bit helps as they face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. It will be a long road to recovery, and many from around the country, including the Whanganui district, have given so generously. For our part, we intend to work alongside those who have been most impacted, supporting them however we can every step of the way.”

Whanganui District councillor, Rob Vinsen, says he’s been advised by Hastings District councillor and Funding Grants Committee chair, Malcom Dixon, that the first round of allocations will be considered at a meeting on Thursday, 6 April.

“Whanganui's initial $50,000 will be allocated at that meeting. A second round of applications will then be considered to allocate the balance of Whanganui's donation. We will provide details of who the funds are granted to and the circumstances of the applicant so that donors can see their donations in action.“

To donate to the Whanganui Mayoral Relief Fund for Cyclone Gabrielle visit cg23.whanganui.govt.nz