Support for the Whyte whānau after Cyclone Gabrielle

Tuesday 14th February 2023 will be remembered by many in Hawke's Bay.

For the Whyte whānau, it is the day they had to swim to safety from their home in Waiohiki (Napier). With help from their neighbours, Tanja and Darcy Whyte were able to get out with their child, their cat and elderly dog. Their house is inhabitable and many possessions lost, as the water rose and left behind a thick layer of sludge and silt.

They are lucky to have a huge amount of support and accommodation while they rebuild their lives. However they need help to purchase a vehicle which is urgently needed so Darcy can continue with his self employed job. Darcy's work van was lost to the floods, along with Tanja's car, and as they only had third party insurance for these vehicles, they need some help.

Sadly they had no contents insurance either. While their immediate need is to replace the work van, they will also need to replace other items lost when their home becomes livable again.

Tanja is one of the nicest people I know and has never hesitated to help others in the past. I know they would appreciate any support that anyone can give.