Wairoa Mayor Craig Little has been overwhelmed by the support of Local Government New Zealand and Councils from throughout the country.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has launched Adopt-a-Community, a campaign that matches a council unaffected by Cyclone Gabrielle with a council and community badly hit.

The campaign's aim is to raise as much money as possible for the adopted communities.

Six Mayors and Councils and have reached out to show their support for Wairoa. They are: Tory Whanau of Wellington, David Moore of Ōpōtiki, Dan Gordon of Waimakariri, Phil Nixon of South Taranaki, Craig Rowley of Waimate and Tania Gibson of Grey.

The Mayors will be driving the initiative and encouraging donations to their adopted community’s Mayoral Relief Fund.

Mr Little said despite Wairoa being cut off to the south due to the closure of SH2, having the support of Councils from around New Zealand contributes to not feeling so isolated and alone.

“These Mayors and Councils know what we are going through and the fact that they have reached out to help us is overwhelming. Locally we have seen our community stand united as we toy and begin our recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle. Now we are also seeing New Zealand’s local authorities standing tall for each other and offering support, both financially and emotionally.

“Wairoa has received tremendous support from other Councils not involved in this campaign, as well as organisations, businesses, groups and individuals. It has been overwhelming and I thank everyone who is helping us.”

For more information about our Cyclone Gabrielle response, please click the button below.

Cyclone Gabrielle

7 March 2023

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