February 28, 2023
Fundraising to build back better after Gabrielle
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The Government has appointed Te Runanga o Ngāti Porou chair Selwyn Parata to a charity that will help fund Cyclone Gabrielle’s recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins launched an international fundraising appeal for the recovery yesterday, modelled on one after the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes which raised more than $94 million.
The proceeds from a special Lotto draw on March 18 will also go into the fund.
The trust overseeing the fund will be chaired by the head of the Department of Internal Affairs, Paul James, and also includes former Napier mayor Barbara Arnott.
“The Appeal will focus on medium to long term recovery projects that ensure the regions build back better and with greater resilience, better prepared to withstand the next extreme weather event.” Mr Hipkins says.
He says Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods affected millions of people, thousands of businesses and over 30 per cent of Aotearoa New Zealand’s land area.
Facebook has offered to promote the appeal, while those who wish to contribute can do so either online at www.cycloneappeal.govt.nz or txt GIVE to 2454