Hours after arriving back in Tauranga, a young couple who were in the Christchurch CBD when the quake hit on Tuesday were out on the streets collecting money for those they reluctantly left behind.
Andrew Jones and Laura Dunstan moved to Christchurch to start a new life three weeks ago.
Leaving all
their possessions in their cordoned-off flat, they escaped to stay with friends in Blenheim before catching a car ride home to their families on Thursday.
The couple said they arrived at Mr Jones' family home in Maungatapu to find both sets of parents waiting on the road to greet them - despite the fact it was 12.30am.
Twelve hours later, they were in Tauranga CBD for the "Shaken not Stirred" fundraising appeal organised by Tauranga DJ Matty Turnbull.
The appeal was scheduled to run until the early hours of this morning with a stand in Red Square and 12 collectors visiting bars along The Strand filling bucket with donations.
By about 2pm yesterday, the fundraiser had already collected $1000. All funds will be given to Salvation Army.
Mr Turnbull said he came up with the idea while driving back to Tauranga from Auckland.
"I think it's time Kiwis start looking after each other.
"It's a horrible tragedy and I really feel for the people of Christchurch. It's the biggest tragedy I've ever witnessed in New Zealand so why wouldn't you want to help?"
Meanwhile, Mainstreet Tauranga businesses are rallying to donate vouchers, tickets and services which will be raffled to raise money for the Christchurch City mayoral fund.
Pluto Soup, Juice and Salad Bar owner Helen Kiernan said the raffle was a way Tauranga residents and businesses could do their bit to help.
Mrs Kiernan said since the quake it had been business as usual in Tauranga, "pretty much like any other day".
She said the raffle was a way to, "take the edge of helplessness off".
Among the donations is a night at the Devonport Towers, including breakfast and bubbles, worth more than $200. Tickets will go on sale after March 4.
