More than 35 councils have signed up to ‘Adopt a Community’ as part of a LGNZ-led initiative to support councils recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle, with Waitaki Council set to take to the stage this weekend to raise funds for its “adopted” council.
On Sunday, Waitaki District councillors (pictured) will perform in a variety show to raise funds for their “adoptee” Far North District Council.
Far North Mayor, Moko Tepania says he’s been left humbled by Waitaki, along with Tasman, Waipā and Clutha councils, who have all pledged to support his community. Fundraising tactics deployed by the councils have included community donation collection buckets and fundraisers like quizzes and sausage sizzles.
“We are certainly feeling the aroha up here in the Far North from the councils who have chosen us for the Adopt a Community scheme,” said Mayor Tepania.
“The community-to-community support of the initiative has really resonated with councils across Aotearoa. Our hearts go out to all of the communities who are still recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle.”
Masterton District Council Mayor, Gary Caffell says he was “stoked” to receive $17,000 for the Wairarapa Mayoral Relief Fund from the people of the Ashburton district last month.
“It typifies to me the great fellowship between councils and their communities all over the country as we start the long recovery process to right the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle,” he said.
Wairoa District Council has been “adopted” by six councils and received support from many others in the wake of the cyclone which devastated the community. Mayor, Craig Little says having the support of councils from around New Zealand has helped the community to feel less isolated.
“These mayors and councils know what we are going through and the fact that they have reached out to help us is overwhelming,” he said.
“We are seeing New Zealand’s local authorities standing tall for each other and offering support, both financially and emotionally.”
Find the list of council adoption matches here.
