Raising Funds for the Piha Community in a time of crisis
To help the Piha community raise funds for a generator in times of disaster
Waitakere, Piha
Late on February 13, the small west coast village of Piha was hit by unprecedented rainfall from cyclone Gabrielle. The storm has left a tight-knit community reeling after multiple landslides and flooding has destroyed houses and many have been forced to leave their homes and set up camp in the Piha Surf Club. This designated welfare centre has been an incredible haven for our locals, providing shelter, accommodation, meals, water and support. Until now the club has been running on a loaned generator but we would love to raise funds so that Piha can have it's own generator to future proof a welfare centre for any future events. Should there be any further natural disasters that isolate us, generators could not be brought out to our village.
"Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini"
Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many
Megan Vertelle's involvement (page creator)
A Piha resident of 22 years
Assistance from Mel Reid, a piha resident 26 years
Use of funds
Funds will be used to purchase a generator to be used at the Piha Surf Club to provide resilience in times of crisis. Any extra funding raised will be made available to those left homeless who are needing to bridge the gap while trying to find a new place to live.
Latest update
IT'S FINALLY IN AND THANKS TO YOU! 11 August 2023
Finally! This absolutely huge generator is installed at the Piha surf club along with it's sophisticated electrical system that means it will automatically kick in when power is down. After the devastating effects of cyclone Gabrielle, Piha got a sense of how vulnerable it is to being cut off from the city utilities and how important it is to have safe centres where people can take refuge.
The generator and install costs came in at an excess of $40,000 and it simply would have not been possible without your incredible generosity. Thanks also to the WRB for a grant to top that amount up.
We are hoping for a Springtime open day in the near future where everyone that kindly donated can come visit the surf club and enjoy some hospitality all run by gennie power. In the meantime, a deep heartfelt thanks to all!!
Latest donations
Thankyou so much for this incredible generosity at this tough time. Very grateful!!
Dear guest, so grateful for this kind act of generosity!!
To Dallas, much appreciation and gratitude for this kind donation
To the Glen Eden Intermediate School Community, this is so incredibly generous! Thankyou for keeping Piha in your hearts and mind at this tough time while we repair. X
Thankyou Nan, the kind words mean so much.
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