Tauranga charity receives big boost

Mike Mears, of Marine Reach, with Anne Pritchard and David Garland, of Tauranga Rotary, who donated $45,000 worth of dental equipment to the medical ship. Photo / Joel Ford

Tauranga residents have helped provide much-needed health care to those in the Pacific Islands.

Fundraising by Tauranga's Rotary Club, along with sister clubs in Japan and Australia, has seen $45,000 raised for a Tauranga-based organisation providing free health care to people who would otherwise miss out.

A presentation was held in Tauranga yesterday to mark the occasion.

Marine Reach New Zealand national director Mike Mears said the money has purchased dental equipment, which he said was invaluable to the work they do.

Marine Reach is based in the Asia-Pacific Rim nations, which it has served since its inception in 1990.

The non-for-profit charity delivers medical care and education to several Pacific Islands.

Mr Mears said Marine Reach had recently purchased a new vessel, which was being fitted out so it could provide medical care.

He said the Marine Reach team worked with the various Pacific Island governments to bridge the gap between those who need health care and what the government can provide.

The ship-based operations have now expanded to include trucks, shipping containers and mobile clinics to provide humanitarian aid and relief to communities in well over 20 countries.

Mr Mears said the work they do would not be possible without donations from members of the public or through fundraisers by organisations such as Rotary.

"Rotary has been a great friend to us over the years and what they do for us has an enormous impact.

It allows us to carry on and do what we do best."

Mr Mears said the vessels would be based in Tauranga until about April when they will be going to Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

"There is quite a bit of need in both of those places and we will do our best to provide the care they need."