Gisborne business fundraising for colleague after partner killed in Waioeka River crash

Gisborne-based civil construction company Currie Construction is fundraising for a colleague whose partner was the victim of the fatal Waioeka Gorge crash on October 4. Photo / NZME

A Gisborne business has started a Givealittle fundraiser for a colleague whose partner was killed in a crash in the Waioeka Gorge.

The victim was travelling with two others in a car that went down the bank between Waioeka Pā and Waiata Rds on October 4.

Two people were taken to Whakatāne Hospital with moderate injuries. The body of the third person was found on Thursday last week after search and rescue efforts over several days with “dangerous” river conditions.

Gisborne-based civil construction company Currie Construction shared a post on social media naming the victim of the crash as the partner of one of their staff members.

“Sky was the partner of our dedicated civil foreman, Josh, and a loving mother to their two children. In this challenging time, we invite you to support Josh and his family as they navigate their grief,” the Givealittle page says.

“We have set up this page to raise additional funds to help cover the costs associated with Sky’s tangi and to allow Josh the time he needs to be with his family during this painful period. Your generous contributions will provide much-needed support for Josh and his children as they honour Sky’s memory and begin to heal. Thank you for your kindness and support.”

Just over $1300 was raised by the Givealittle page in less than a day.

A Currie Construction staff member told the Gisborne Herald a “large number” of staff had travelled down to Hawke’s Bay to attend the tangi on Tuesday evening.

Those who wish to donate to the fundraiser can do so at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/support-for-josh-and-whanau.

Police inquiries into the crash were continuing as of Thursday last week.