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February 02, 2026
Keeti and Tioreore Ngātai-Melbourne: He Kōtuitui Aroha mō Matakaoa: Wāhine Rally Support From Afar
Dale Husband
Posted On February 2, 2026
Download AudioTwo young wāhine with deep roots in Te Araroa have turned feelings of distance and helplessness into action – organising a film fundraiser to support whānau in Matakaoa as the region faces ongoing isolation and damage following recent severe weather events.
Keeti and Tioreore Ngātai-Melbourne, sisters living away from home, say watching the impacts unfold from afar was deeply distressing.
Rather than staying stuck in that helplessness, the sisters decided to act.
The result was He Kōtuitui Aroha mō Matakaoa – a community film screening fundraiser designed to raise funds and awareness for the long road to recovery facing whānau in the rohe.
The sisters say the fundraiser is about more than immediate relief. It’s about supporting whānau through the ongoing impacts of isolation, damaged homes, disrupted access to services, and the emotional toll of repeated climate events.
Funds raised will go toward practical support identified by whānau on the ground – ensuring help is responsive, not imposed.
Bringing the screening to life required collective effort, and the sisters say they were overwhelmed by the number of people and organisations who stepped forward.
They say that support affirmed the kaupapa and reinforced that Matakaoa is never alone, even when physically cut off.
With momentum building around the fundraiser, the sisters hope it inspires others who may also feel distant from their rohe or whānau to find ways to contribute.
They hope He Kōtuitui Aroha mō Matakaoa encourages more collective responses – grounded in aroha, led by community, and focused on long-term wellbeing.
As Matakaoa continues its recovery, the sisters say the kaupapa will remain guided by one principle: kotahitanga.
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