A fire took John & Tracey's' Raglan cottage & workshop. They've shown up for so many - now let's show up for them. Please share & support
Raglan, Waikato
In the early hours of the morning on 15 June 2026, John Vissers and Tracey Bonnington lost their cottage and workshop in Whaingaroa Raglan to a devastating fire - this was the little home that sat right beside their own.
In a matter of minutes, years of memories, belongings, tools, precious creations, and a place full of life were gone.
Thankfully everyone is safe, and the building has insurance, but the cause has not yet been determined. The loss is heavy, the cost is large, and the road to rebuilding is long.
As a carpenter & creative by trade, John has lost all of his tools and a lifetime of work inside his workshop.
If you know John and Tracey, you'll know the kind of people they are - the first to lend a hand, open a door, or put the kettle on. They've shown up for so many of their local community over the years. Now it's our turn to show up for them.
Every dollar raised goes directly toward clearing the site / replacing essentials / rebuilding the cottage & workshop / supporting them while they get back on their feet. No amount is too small - even a koha of $5 adds up fast when a community pulls together.
Please give what you can, and share this page far and wide.
Thank you for your support 🙏🏽❤️🔥
John is a respected Elder, leader & trailblazer in the NZ men's work community, and someone we are proud to call a friend & mentor - a man who has shown up for so many of us, and who now needs his community to show up for him and his wonderful wife Tracey.
Clearing the fire-damaged site, replacing lost essentials, rebuilding the cottage & workshop, and helping John & Tracey cover lost income while they get back on their feet.
Update From Tracey 25 June 2026
A beginning and an end
A new future not foreseen
Something evolving not foretold
Unimagined and yet real
And it will be as it has been
But not as before
And it will start as it will end
For that I am sure
Because life will be unexpected
I will take courage in that
And my steps will carry the strength
Of all that I am now.
Thank you for all the love and offers of help that we have received over the past 9 days.
We are devastated but we are doing ok, just taking it one day at a time, waking up, feet on the ground, doing what each day asks of us.
It is still our beautiful cottage, even though she is in ashes. It is hard for me to say goodbye so I’m cherishing these final days
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.