Help Chris Rebuild After the Waitōtara Hotel Fire

On April 17th, tragedy struck the heart of Waitōtara. The iconic Waitōtara Hotel, a beloved local landmark, was lost to a devastating fire. For many in the community, it was more than just a pub—it was a gathering place, a symbol of connection and camaraderie. But for Chris, it was home.

Chris has lived at the Waitōtara Hotel for the past 16 years. He poured his heart and soul into the place—not just running the pub, but building a welcoming space for locals and travelers alike. The patrons weren’t just customers—they were friends, neighbours, and family. Now, with the building gone, Chris has lost everything: his home, his livelihood, and the close-knit community he created within those walls.

Chris now faces the overwhelming task of starting over from scratch. We're rallying together to show him he's not alone in this. Whether it's a little or a lot, every donation will go directly toward helping Chris find a new place to live, replace essentials, and begin rebuilding his life.

Let’s come together as a community—just like Chris always did for us—and help him get back on his feet. Fortunately Chris was fully insured.