A fundraising effort for those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand is gaining traction.

Members of Tauturu Aotearoa NZ cyclone aid fundraising committee attended a meeting of Vaka Puaikura residents this week hosted by the three Vaka Puaikura MPs Teariki Heather, Robert Heather and Tim Varu.

The three MPs gave their support for the fundraising effort by agreeing to host $10 breakfast plates of food at the Aroa Nui Hall, Arorangi  between 6am to 9am Saturday, March 18.

As well as that, nine kikau kai raffle prizes will be drawn the same day with tickets available as well. Toanui Isamaela, MP for Amuri Ureia from Aitutaki, also indicated he will be sending fish for the breakfast.

Cook Islands United Party leader Teariki Heather explained their support of the cyclone fundraising was in response to New Zealand’s instant support of the Cook Islands every time we have a crisis.
“Every time we have a cyclone here a Hercules plane full of relief aid arrives the next day.”

The New Zealand Covid-19 aid packages that helped fund Covid-19 relief measures, that kept the Cook Islands safe, and sustained, was also mentioned by Heather.

Fundraising committee vice chairmen Tony Tou and Billy Ingram explained what their plans were and expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Vaka Puaikura committee for their amazing support.
Ingram explained “we are a small country with a big heart” and that was never more evident than Vaka Puaikura’s support.

He was overwhelmed by the generosity and hard work of the community.
In a later statement, Ingram also thanked Minister George “Maggie” Angene and the Ministry of Culture for the supply of equipment, chairs and tables, and revealed that momentum was growing as publicity increases.
Many businesses have been approached for support and the responses are starting to roll in.

Any community group , church group, schools, planters, Pa Enua and businesses looking to help can contact the following people: Mau Tou 71526, Rose Benns 50364, Doreen Boggs 55583, Billy Ingram 76220 , Tony Tou 72952 and Bishop Tutai Pere 55177.