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Support for Amber and Pauly Rhodes!

  • Update and a huge thank you from Amber and the Rhodes family.

      26 May 2023
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    The past three and a bit months, since the devastation of the Cyclone on our home, has passed so quickly and yet feels like a lifetime ago. So much has happened and we are now strangely in a whole different life than we were 4 months ago. We have moved into a lovely new home in Waitākere and are making it cosy for the winter ahead, so far it has withstood the ongoing ferocious storms in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, long may it last! All of us still have moments of almost paralysing fear, most recently when I returned to Karekare during a heavy downpour and found my hands shaking on the steering wheel and planning escape routes, should the hillside below my wheels suddenly fall away, but, we have a wonderful support network, the kids are being well taken care of by school counselling staff and we have systems in place for our mental wellbeing.

    The wreck of our home was finally red stickered three weeks ago and the debris cleared this past week. Countless truckloads took tonnes of mud and damaged belongings to a landfill, we managed to salvage a couple of precious things, including the poem 'Desiderata', rules to live by and which have held me in good stead during this time of misfortune (Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings!) The team who cleared the debris were incredible, they performed the task with grace and skill, and it made the process so much easier.

    We will soon be performing a karakia (blessing) to acknowledge the memories, the histories, the links to our ancestors, the multitude of memories the house held, and to clear a path for the future to unfold.

    We continue to count our blessings and are unceasingly grateful for your support and contributions which has helped us enormously during this trying time, so once again, THANK YOU.

    May your lives be filled with wonderful things, good health and wellbeing, sunshine and joy.

    Thank you once again, from the Rhodes family.

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  • Thank you, a message from Amber

      5 March 2023

    Kia ora, I hope this finds you and your loved ones warm, safe and healthy today. Bowing deeply to the generosity, love and support you've shown to our dear friends. Here is an update from Amber:

    Tēnā koutou, Firstly, apologies for the delay in this update.

    The first week was spent in shock, adrenaline and survival mode, the second week was all about gratitude, relief and aroha, this week we are moving through grief and the reality of the loss of our little slice of paradise.

    We are still overwhelmed with gratitude for the thoughtful messages and donations which are continuing to come in, this will help set us up in a new home in the coming weeks. It has been totally amazing to hear from friends all over the world and of course the incredible, passionate Xenaverse fans. It’s so cool to know that so many people still love the show! Some of the best years of my (Amber) life were on that show!

    We recognise and thank our wonderful friends and colleagues around the globe and here in Aotearoa. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

    Life has changed irrevocably and as we journey through the next phase, we carry you all with us in our hearts.

    Ngā mihi nui 🧡

    From Amber, Pauly, Winter and Beatrix.

    Ngā mihi nui

    Holli

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  • Update!

      18 February 2023

    Kia ora whānau, friends and supporters of Amber and Pauly,

    What an incredible community! You have shown so much generosity, love and support, Amber and Pauly (and I) are completely blown away.

    Thank you for donating funds to help then get back on their feet.

    Thank you for sharing their incredible story of survival across your networks.

    Thank you for wrapping them in kind words and warm clothes.

    Thank you for filling their bellies with warm food and their hearts with love.

    They are so grateful.

    Particle updates!

    Amber, Pauly, Beatrix and Winter are safe and they have the essentials they need right now. Anyone wanting to donate physical items should redirect to others in need as we continue to move through this unprecedented climate event and look to rebuilding so many lives, homes and livelihoods.

    There is nothing quite like the feeling of the ground falling out from underneath you. Amber and Pauly have a long road ahead to recover from the emotional and physiological impact of that loss. But they will be ok. They are taking it slowly and seeking some quality trauma counseling.

    I hope you and yours are safe and well, lets keep climate change front and center as we talk about how we recover from Cyclone Gabrielle. This is a climate crisis that impacts us all. Our children. Our futures. Our lives.

    Ngā mihi nui,

    Holli

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  • Update and a message from Amber…

      16 February 2023

    Kia ora,

    I hope this message finds you and your whānau safe and dry today. Totally blown away by the outpouring of love and support for Amber, Pauly, Beatrix and Winter. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Ambers Mum, Henry and Bea were evacuated via helicopter yesterday, along with other local kids. Amber and Pauly are hoping to get out by the end of day today. They have been busy trying to clean and dry what they managed salvaged so that it doesn’t go moldy in storage out there. Everything they have salvaged will have to stay in Karekare until the roads can be rebuilt, which may take many months.

    Regarding physical items, thank you so much for all of the offers of household items! Unfortunately we are not going to have the capacity to store things until they are in a new house and can take stock. (which may take a few months). Can you hold onto items until then? If not please donate to others in need. There are so many.

    One thing Amber does need is a pair of good sturdy size 39 boots (like tramping ones) for work, her’s are under the mud.

    Here is a message from Amber:

    “We are so very grateful for all the support. We understand there has been terrible devastation across the motu and hold those who have lost loved ones in our hearts.

    We are humbled by the immense generosity and aroha of our friends and colleagues and the unknown people who have donated. You would not believe this story if you read it in a fiction. The past three days have been profoundly life changing. We are so blessed, so grateful and send out love out to you all. Ngā mihi nui,

    Amber, Pauly, Winter and Beatrix.”

    Sending strength and love to all affected by this incredible event.

    Ngā mihi nui,

    Holli

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