Aussie band supports Teimana fundraiser

Teimana Emery-Maaka is at the heart of Hope for Teimana, which will take place on February 7 at the Rotoiti Sports Club.

An Australian-based band is throwing its weight behind an effort to fundraise for Teimana Emery-Maaka, headlining a special charity concert.

Hope for Teimana, featuring Paua, will take place on February 7 at the Rotoiti Sports Club.
Also performing at the concert are Rotorua's DJ Masive, who is also appearing at Raggamuffin, as well as Natrule Konexzion and ARI.

The concert is being organised by Renee White, who is a relative of Teimana, along with Andre Narbey of Narbey Entertainment.

Renee says they chose Rotoiti as the location for the concert because that was where they were from.

"It's a chance to give back to our own people and help our own baby."

She says some members of Paua also have links back to the Rotoiti area.

Tickets are on sale now from MusicWorks on Pukuatua St and cost $25, or $30 from the door on the night.

Organisers are also looking for someone who might be able to provide transport to the venue from town, as well as someone who might be able to help by providing a stage and security fencing.

They are hoping for a crowd of between 300-400 people at the concert, with money going to help Teimana's family.

"Teimana's mum is a complete inspiration to me. To see her knowing full well her time with him is limited, it's heartbreaking but inspirational at the same time."

Teimana's mum Levi Emery says she initially wanted to donate the money to Starship Hospital but the organisers have encouraged her to use it to help themselves out.

They are hoping to take Teimana on holiday to the Gold Coast this year, so he can swim with the dolphins as he loves the water.

She says Make-A-Wish is only available to those over 3-years-old so they are hoping to use money from the fundraiser to help with their trip.

Teimana's family are also selling special "Hope for Teimana" T-shirts through the Facebook page of the same name.