+9 images
Main image

Forced to Flee With Nothing After Deadly Papamoa Landslip

$3,055 donated
Given by 78 generous donors in 10 days

Helping Beck and her kids rebuild after a sudden evacuation caused by the deadly Papamoa landslip

Papamoa, Bay Of Plenty

In the early hours of 22 January 2026, my sister Beck was woken by loud rumbling noises she thought was an earthquake. Moments later, there was frantic banging on the doors and windows, with people yelling, “Get out, get out now!”

First responders were urgently evacuating Beck and her kids after a slip had taken out the house next door — something they were completely unaware of. Tragically, two people lost their lives in that home. The house on the other side was also taken down the hill by another slip, leaving Beck’s home standing in the middle.

A smaller slip had already come down the side of the house and driveway, making it impossible to leave by car. Beck was forced to leave her vehicle behind. With no time to gather belongings or search for their beloved family cat, they escaped wearing only their pyjamas and walked through thick mud to reach safety.

There is a real possibility they may never be able to return home to collect their belongings. I am raising funds to help Beck and her kids replace basic necessities such as clothing, toiletries, and everyday essentials, and to support them as they begin rebuilding their lives.

An insurance contents claim is in process which will not cover everything.

Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to us. Above all, we are incredibly grateful that Beck and her kids are alive — material things can be replaced, lives cannot.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and support 💜💜

Sheree Smith's involvement (page creator)

Beck is my sister

Use of funds

Clothing and footwear, toiletries, and essential household items to help the family rebuild after evacuation

Other page links

Read more

Latest update

Thank you  6 February 2026

To our incredible village,

I honestly don’t even have the words to fully express the gratitude my kids and I feel right now. After the landslides turned our world upside down, we were left trying to process the shock, the loss, and the uncertainty of what came next. In the middle of all that, your kindness wrapped around us like a safety net.

Every donation, message, share, and prayer has meant more than you could ever know. What you gave wasn’t just financial support — it was hope. It helped us secure the basics, take a breath, and begin to find our footing again during one of the most overwhelming times of our lives.

To know that so many people care about my tamariki and our wellbeing has been incredibly humbling. You reminded us that even when things feel dark and heavy, there is still so much light in people.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing beside us, lifting us up, and helping us move forward. We carry your generosity with us, always.

With love and deep appreciation,

Rebecca and the kids

Share this update

View and comment

Read more

Latest donations

Paul & Morag
Paul & Morag on 01 Feb 2026
Best wishes to you all
Private
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 01 Feb 2026
Private
Guest Donor
Guest Donor on 31 Jan 2026
Private
Nath Moloney
Nath Moloney on 30 Jan 2026
Love you cuzzy, wish I could be there to help you’s!🙏🏼💙💙
Private
D & D
D & D on 30 Jan 2026
Private

Who's involved?

Sheree Smith's avatar
Created by Sheree Smith
Rebecca Smith's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Rebecca Smith
Page Moderated
The page has been checked by our team to make sure it complies with our terms and conditions.

Gallery

Any concerns?

Report this page
This campaign started on 25 Jan 2026 and ended on 4 Feb 2026.