Koiora Music Fundraiser hits the right note

Te Karehana Gardiner-Toi performs at the Koiora Music Fundraiser to raise money for the families of Kanea Hicks and Kaine Lewis (pictured on the screen behind him). Photo / Stephen Parker

The organiser of the Koiora Music Fundraiser has described the event as a "humbling experience" to be part of.

The event, to raise money for the families of Kanea Hicks and Kaine Lewis, was held on Saturday.

Miss Hicks is a member of Rotorua-based kapa haka group Te Matarae i Orehu and is recovering from a serious assault in Auckland in July. The 27-year-old is now based at the ABI Rehabilitation facility in West Auckland.

Kaine, 16, suffered serious injuries in a car crash on Te Ngae Rd last month. The Rotorua Boys' High School student has since moved from the high dependency unit into the general ward of Waikato Hospital.

Concert organiser and Te Matarae i Orehu member Hinerongonui Kingi said about 250 people turned up to the event.

"We didn't get the amount we were hoping for but everyone who came along gave pretty good feedback."

Ms Kingi said she was blown away by the response from the performers, which included local and national acts like Troy Kingi, Tama Waipara, Adam Whauwhau, Harley Cruz, DJ Massive, Hazaduz, Maisey Rika, 1814 (acoustic set), Ria Hall and more.

"They were all absolutely supportive of the kaupapa. They were happy to be there."

Ms Kingi said it was great to see members of both families attended the fundraiser.

She was grateful to the local businesses who supported the event, especially Te Mauri o Putauaki Charitable Trust which sponsored the event. "It was absolutely amazing and such a privilege to be there for."

Ms Kingi said people had been generous with their donations and that a final figure on how much had been raised would be available later this week.