Rangitīkei Adopts Tararua for Cyclone Relief Fundraising

Rangitīkei District Council has “adopted” Tararua as a part of Local Government New Zealand’s #AdoptACommunity programme, and is encouraging the Rangitīkei community to donate and support the district following Cyclone Gabrielle.

Rangitīkei District Council Mayor Andy Watson says that the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in Tararua was extensive and widespread.

“Recovery will take time, and the people of Tararua need our support. We’ve established a Mayoral Relief Fund as an easy and effective way for people to donate to one single, centralised fund and know their financial support will be directed where it is needed most.”

During Cyclone Gabrielle, the Tararua District was hit hard; with Cadmus Bridge at Ākitio, recording 328mm in rain from 13-16 February, a one in 100-year event. Tararua also suffered 1,500 faults to their roading network, including 276 drop outs. 12 roads are still closed, while an additional 14 have restrictions on them.

“We know how devastating severe weather events can be, and I encourage all of those who are able to in Rangitīkei to come together and help the Tararua community rebuild.”

Donations can be made to the RDC Mayoral Relief Fund via account 03-1522-00114966-000. Donations are asked to include the reference ‘2023 Cyclone’.

If receipts for donations are required for tax purposes, please email info@rangitikei.govt.nz