‘Thank you all’ the message from grateful relief trust

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne District Council wants to give three million “thank yous”  to New Zealand, after more than that amount was raised for the community following two cyclones in six weeks.

The devastating start to 2023 for Tairāwhiti is still being felt by many whānau after cyclones Hale and Gabrielle wreaked havoc on the region.

However, the kindness and generosity shown by those who donated to the Gisborne District Disaster Relief Trust cannot be understated for the impact it had on so many residents, trustees Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Councillor Rhonda Tibble said.

They both expressed their gratitude, at the presentation of the trust’s annual report, which is now available to read on the council’s website.

A total of $3,019,448 million was donated to the trust.

Mayor Stoltz said she had heard the difference grants from this trust had made to many people’s lives, from thank you letters received by the council since the funds were distributed.

“This annual report shares with everyone who donated, what was spent and where.

“Mostly, we want to thank you all. When the donations were rolling in it kept our community’s spirits up at a very challenging time.”

A total of $2.6m was paid out to more than 400 applicants and 200 lump sum payments were paid out to property owners whose homes were red or yellow stickered.

Mayor Stoltz said a late donation of $400,000 was received on June 27 this year, which will be used towards further applications and stickered properties.

“We ensure 100 percent of donations received go directly to Tairāwhiti residents who were affected.”

The Disaster Relief Trust was established with the intention of being a public fund to which anyone could donate to provide support and assistance to Te Tairāwhiti community following emergency events and disasters.

The function of this trust and the donations received, help provide financial assistance to those who were displaced, and those whose homes had suffered significant damage as a result of the severe weather events.

• To read the full report, go to https://tinyurl.com/mtvcyy5t