South Wairarapa District Council [SWDC] is “adopting” Whangarei District Council in Northland to support its recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle.
‘Adopt a Community’ – a Local Government NZ [LGNZ] initiative – matches a council unaffected by Cyclone Gabrielle with a council and community that’s been badly hit.
South Wairarapa Mayor Martin Connelly said people in Wairarapa are going to immense efforts to help disaster-affected areas.
“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. Whangarei has been matched with South Wairarapa and Kapiti.
Masterton has been matched with Ashburton and Mackenzie.
Connelly said South Wairarapa residents are generous and will 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 play 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.”
SWDC will post a bank account number on its website for donations shortly.
While the “adoption” of the Whangarei District Council aims to help those outside the district, SWDC also supports the Wairarapa Mayoral Relief Fund effort set up by the three Wairarapa mayors for any local residents affected by the cyclone.
Meanwhile, as reported on Thursday, Masterton District has been “adopted” by the Ashburton District Council and the Mackenzie District Council as part of the same scheme.
