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Cyclone Gabrielle: Stuff's fundraising campaign tops $4 million

Thursday, 16 February 2023

Thousands of Kiwis have already contributed – can you help?
Thousands of Kiwis have already contributed – can you help?

As the scale of the devastation and death brought by Cyclone Gabrielle is revealed, it’s clear that a mammoth response is required to help the whānau and communities at the centre of this disaster.

Stuff’s fundraising campaign for those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle has topped $4 million – but that’s just scratching the surface of what’s required to get these Kiwi families back on their feet and into their homes. So if you can contribute today, please do.

Emergency responders and officials have been urging people who want to help to donate money instead of food, water and other goods, because the real need is accommodation, and unwanted goods create additional work and waste.

Thank you to every single person who has contributed so far, and all the businesses who stepped up to help us reach our goal.

Stuff will distribute funds evenly between the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a local state of emergency has been declared including Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Hawke’s Bay.

The following businesses all answered our call to match or better Stuff’s $10,000 donation:

Any companies that match or better the $10,000 seed donation will get a big shout-out here. Email editor@stuff.co.nz with details of your donation.

Givealittle is reducing the fee charged for all donations made beyond the first $2 million, from 5% to 1%. This means at least an extra $80,000 will go to our beneficiaries.

Thousands of New Zealanders are facing dire situations after flooding and slips ravaged communities. A number of people are feared dead, and thousands have been without power, communications and essential supplies.

Those affected need your support. Stuff is supporting the Red Cross and Mayoral Relief Funds in areas where a state of emergency has been declared. Stuff will be passing all funds received from Givealittle for the Cyclone Gabrielle Community Support fund on. We have no intent to claim a tax credit for these donations received.

Stuff chief executive and owner Sinead Boucher said the devastation seen first-hand by journalists on the ground prompted the idea for the fundraiser.

“Their reports have been shocking and utterly heartbreaking. We were just as affected and upset as everyone else and, like the rest of the country, wanted to find a way we could offer practical help.”

With the worst affected towns and districts still in the crisis stage, Boucher said it was clear there was a long hard recovery ahead.

“We are so grateful other New Zealand companies are also getting in and helping, by donating to the fund or offering whatever support they can,” Boucher said.

“Let’s keep going and raise as much money as we possibly can to help people get back on their feet.”

The Red Cross is on the ground dealing with immediate welfare needs and supporting people's emotional, practical and social needs. Mayoral Relief Funds help local communities support whānau, community organisations and marae after an emergency.