An Auckland-based family are amazed by the support they've received from Rotorua kapa haka groups who are fundraising to help "one of their own".
Kanea Hicks is a member of Rotorua-based kapa haka group Te Matarae i Orehu and is the niece of male leader Wetini Mitai.
She suffered serious injuries after being attacked in Auckland in July and was in the intensive care unit in Middlemore Hospital. The matter is currently before the court.
The 27-year-old of Te Arawa and Ngati Tuwharetoa descent is now in the ABI (brain injury) facility in West Auckland which provides support for those with traumatic brain injuries. She was in her second year of teacher training at university before she was attacked. Her sister-in-law and family spokeswoman Ngawai Parata-Hicks said there was a long road ahead before she could go home.
The group has organised "Fight for Kanea" - a CrossFit-based exercise challenge - to raise money for her and her family. It is being held next Monday to Friday.
Those taking part in the challenge donate $10 to the fundraising account ($2 for children). At the end the money will be sent to the family.
Organiser and principal of Te Whare Kura o Ngati Rongomai, Tukiterangi Curtis, said Miss Hicks had strong connections to the area where his school is based.
He said his students were introduced to Miss Hicks as part of their learning unit "Ko wai au? - What is my identity and who do I represent?"
"This is the homestead of Te Matarae i Orehu. I'm a believer in that environment is a huge asset and biggest contributor of where you are going in the future. As part of Te Matarae i Orehu she has taken on the voice of my humble little tribe and so we've taken the liberty to bestow Ngati Rongomai with their show of support. I'm really humbled to take the responsibility to give back to my people and Kanea is a priority for me."
Hundreds have signed up to take part in the challenge and groups have already started showing their enthusiasm and support on Facebook.
"It's been overwhelming, that was the objective, to make it viral and get people involved nationally, whether they knew her or not. It's about getting all Maori organisations and schools to help somebody in need," he said.
Female leader of Te Matarae i Orehu, Miri Hare said Miss Hicks was well respected by the group. She had been a member for seven years and would travel from Auckland to attend the group's practices.
"She's such a beautiful young woman. Always positive, turned up to practice with a smile. She made everyone in the room happy. Te Matarae i Orehu are behind her and will support her 100 per cent."
For Miss Hicks the ongoing support from Rotorua has been "amazing."
"When this first happened group members rang or messaged me for constant updates on Kanea wanting to help in any way possible," Mrs Parata-Hicks said.
"We were already so appreciative of the group travelling a long distance to see her and sing for her and now they have organised this campaign to raise funds to help (parents) Nera and Frank who have been off work.
"We're just overwhelmed by all the support everyone near and far has shown towards the family and Kanea. We can't thank them enough, it helps take a huge toll off."
The Fight for Kanea event starts on Monday. Those taking part are being encouraged to wear something pink, which is Miss Hicks' favourite colour.
"Thank you so much to all of the people that have shown their unconditional love to the kaupapa," Mr Curtis said.
A Facebook page has been set up with details about the challenge and a fundraising bank account is open and donations have started coming in. Those wanted to give can deposit money to the BNZ account, Tu Taua Matarua 02 0412 0413215 00. All proceeds will be passed on to the family.