MEDIA STATEMENT

South Wairarapa District Council is “adopting” Whangārei District Council in Northland to support its recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.

We’ve all been seeing the cyclone’s aftermath and wanting to help in a meaningful way. A Local Government NZ (LGNZ) initiative ‘Adopt a Community’ matches our Council with a council and community badly hit by the cyclone.

“We know that people in the Wairarapa are going to immense efforts to help disaster affected areas,” South Wairarapa Mayor Martin Connelly said. “This is a further way for us to show our support.”

The campaign encourages people to donate to their adopted Council’s mayoral relief fund or other official channels.

More than 30 Councils have “adopted” a community so far. Whangārei has been matched with South Wairarapa and Kāpiti.

Mr Connelly said South Wairarapa residents were generous and would no doubt back this method of supporting all those who had lost possessions, loved ones and infrastructure through this terrible event.

LGNZ National Council member, Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan, said local councils played a leading role in emergency efforts.

“We’ve all been watching the devastating scenes in the news and have been really wanting to help in a meaningful way.

“That’s why we’ve come up with this concept as a practical way for Mayors from other parts of the country to channel their energy. It creates a direct connection with one of the badly affected communities. “

The South Wairarapa District Council will post a bank account number on its website for donations shortly.

While the “adoption” of the Whangārei District Council aims to help those outside our district, the South Wairarapa District Council also supports the Wairarapa Mayoral Relief Fund effort set up by the three Wairarapa mayors for any local resident affected by the cyclone.

Media contact:
Sheil Priest, General Manager, Communications & Engagement
Mob: 027 252 2863
Email: sheil.priest@swdc.govt.nz