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Help get the Beekmans' family get back on their feet

  • A quick word of gratitude

      2 March 2023
    Posted by: Maik Beekmans

    Words can't describe how humbling it is to see that we have the support and backing by hundreds of fantastic people.

    When I was on our land and found nothing but sheer apocalyptic destruction I felt nothing but hollow and alone. The thought of how on earth we are going to bounce back from this is ever-present, but than we step back and count our lucky stars that we still have each other, and equally important we have a fantastic group of people rallying around us - from close friends to perfect strangers.

    Marianne, the kids and I get great strength and resolve from knowing that we're not alone in this, particularly in times when it will feel that way.

    So thank you ever so much for being there for us.

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  • Gareth and Sue's story

      22 February 2023
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    In today's NZ Herald Gareth explains what happened when he was housesitting the Beekmans' place - you can read it here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/cyclone-gabrielle-napier-flood-survivor-tells-of-the-devastating-night-that-claimed-the-life-of-his-friend-susane-caccioppoli/FTL2NEPWYNCH5DO5UQZ4HC53ZE/

    The picture shows the roof of the house after it got swept away and "beached" at their neighbours place.

    Marianne and Jacobien will be heading back "home" on Thursday thanks to your generous donations. Maik will stay in Auckland to secure work.

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  • Trip to Eskdale

      21 February 2023
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    Maik, Frederieke and I went to Eskdale on Sunday. With the borrowed ute and our car, we took boxes with blankets, food, essentials and water with us for the local community. We also carried 40 jerrycans that we delivered to BP to be used for supplying fuel for generators.

    It's hard to describe the situation on the ground, the whole area looks like wastelands. Mud and dust, debris and carnage everywhere. Even when you see it with your own eyes, it's still hard to comprehend what's lost.

    Jagger has unfortunately been found dead. Iggy is alive and recovering at the vet and fighting to get through. Fender and the cats are still missing.

    The roof of the house is near the neighbours property. Maik found one of his guitars and a tennis racket. Hopefully that will keep him busy as stress levels are rising.

    The truck - or what's left of it - was found upside down. Tractors covered under layers and layers of mud.

    We will keep you posted.

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  • First images on the ground

      17 February 2023

    First of all, thank you so much for all your generosity! The Beekmans' have received funds from all all corners of the world. From friends and friends of friends.

    Here's a quick video taken by Mark who managed to get to the property on his farm bike and take some footage. As you can see, everything is flat. Harvesting of mandarins was suppose to start late April. There's nothing left.

    We are waiting for SH5 Taupo to Napier to open again so we can have a look ourselves. At the moment, Eskdale cannot be reached from the North or South by car.

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  • Thank you for your support

      16 February 2023
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    Maik & Marianne would like to thank you for your support so far.

    We just received this image of their property. As you can see the house, garage and shed are gone. The trees are flat. The water is slowly subsiding and two tractors are visible who were submerged before. The Beetle used to be on the other side of the house and in the distance you can see another car turned upside down which probably came from a neighboring property. You can see the logs in the orchard as well as many logs across the road.

    We will keep you updated.

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