Support Bomb Free Solomon Islands - Saving Lives from WWII Bombs
Survivor Maeverlyn Pitanoe leads Bomb Free Solomon Islands to protect lives and create a future free of WWII bombs.
Auckland
Four years ago, teacher Maeverlyn Pitanoe was hosting a family barbecue in Honiara when a buried World War II bomb exploded. Two young men were killed, and she was left fighting for her life.
Instead of turning away, she founded Bomb Free Solomon Islands, now a registered charity (CT 325 of 2025) working to protect others from the same fate.
Maeverlyn holds a Master’s in Education and works hands-on every day with survivors and communities. She partners with the Halo Trust, Safe Signals, Safe Ground, and the National UXO Office to raise awareness and push for national clearance.
The charity is governed by a volunteer board of local leaders and survivors who oversee every dollar.
Your donation helps fund victim support, community safety visits, and advocacy to remove unexploded bombs from homes and villages.
I’m Cleo Fraser, a New Zealand journalist working with Maeverlyn through our film The War Below. Because local platforms aren’t available, I’m collecting donations here and transferring 100% directly to Bomb Free Solomon Islands, minus unavoidable bank fees.
Your support helps families live without fear - and moves the Solomon Islands one step closer to being truly bomb-free.
Nine Islands Media Ltd's involvement (page creator)
I’m a senior journalist and documentary maker. I worked with Maeverlyn on The War Below and now support Bomb Free Solomon Islands and victims directly.
Use of funds
Donations fund victim support (school fees, medical costs), awareness in schools and communities, printed safety materials, and programmes helping survivors rebuild through business, training, and workshops. Minimal admin only.
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Latest update
First lot of funds on its way 20 August 2026
Kia ora team,
Thanks to you all for your incredible support.
Maeverlyn is now back in the Solomon Islands, settling back into family life, advocating for a bomb-free Solomon Islands, helping survivors, and supporting her community.
The funds raised so far has filled her with so much hope!
Givealittle has so far transferred NZD$870 to Nine Islands Media and arrangements are being made to send to the verified Bomb Free Solomon Islands account (registered local charity) in Honiara.
Once this lands in the Solomon Islands and the charity board (of which is mostly made up of WWII survivors) has decided on next steps we'll be sure to let you know.
Thanks again for your generous support :)
Arohanui,
Cleo Fraser
Nine Islands Media (and Bomb Free Solomon Islands volunteer).
Photo: Maeverlyn Pitanoe (founder) and Dorothy Wickham (board member) on a Ministry of Foreign Affairs supported visit to New Zealand to raise awareness about Bomb Free Solomon Islands. Yes it was very cold for them, but we ensured they had plenty to keep them warm!
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