Waitaki raises $10k for cyclone relief fund

An amazing effort by Waitaki District Council staff and councillors, performers, volunteers and residents of two Ōamaru rest homes has raised almost $10,000 for Far North communities recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle.

The joint fundraising effort was initiated by Waitaki District Council joining the Adopt a Community programme and opting to be paired with the Far North District Council. The nationwide Adopt a Community initiative was launched to connect councils impacted by the cyclone to those unaffected, with the aim of encouraging community to community support.

The result was a Variety Show event at the Ōamaru Opera House on Sunday 2 April where local performing artists and groups of contemporary and classical singers and dancers took to the stage to provide a night of family entertainment.

Over 320 tickets were sold to the event with money raised going directly to the Cyclone Gabrielle Mayoral Relief Fund established by Kahika Moko Tepania. A video message from Far North Mayor Tepania was played at the Variety Show where he thanked everyone for making a huge effort for the Adopt a Community scheme set up by Local Government New Zealand. Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher also personally acknowledged the efforts of all volunteers.

“It was an absolutely fantastic result which will help some of the most affected people in the Far North District.” Mayor Kircher said.

Joining the fundraising effort were residents of the Northanjer and Southanjer Rest Homes, who put together and raffled off 13 different hampers of accommodation packages, pamper packs and food items. Prizes were donated by local businesses, residents, family and team members with 1050 raffle tickets being sold.

The joint fundraising efforts raised $9,475. Also contributing to the cyclone fund will be money raised by the Waitaki Rest Home Olympics, held recently at the Ōamaru Club.

The Far North was also adopted by three other councils:  Clutha District Council, Tasman District Council, and Waipā District Council who have all employed a variety of fundraising strategies to help Far North communities.

---

Main photo – the Ōamaru Opera House where the Variety Show was held.

Photo below – groups performing at the Variety Show (credit - Councillor Courtney Linwood).

End photo - residents and staff at Southanjer Rest Home with Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher and councillor Tim Blackler after drawing the winners of their raffle which helped raise more than $4500.