Supporting Noel & Family When They Need Their Village

$8,002 donated

Given by 103 generous donors in 12 weeks

Supporting Noels family with essential costs as they face his brain tumour journey and time away from work this Christmas.

Oamaru, Otago

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On Friday 12 December, our friend Noel received the devastating news that he has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Tragically, this also fell on his wife Tamara’s birthday, turning what should have been a day of celebration with their children into one of shock and uncertainty.

Noel is the main income earner for his family, and with surgery and treatment ahead, he will be unable to work for the foreseeable future. His surgery will now take place in Dunedin (it was initially going to be Christchurch), which brings added travel and accommodation costs, especially challenging in the lead up to Christmas.

Noel and Tammy have always been “the village” for others when it mattered most. Showing up, supporting, and carrying people through hard times without hesitation has always been their priority. Now it’s our turn to return the same kindness.

The funds raised will help ease the financial burden during this incredibly difficult period, allowing the family to focus on Noel’s health and on being together.

Donations will help with:

• Travel to and from Dunedin

• Accommodation during surgery and treatment

• Day to day living costs while Noel is unable to work

Any contribution, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated.

If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help surround this family with the support they so freely give to others.

Thank you for helping us be their village, just as they have been ours 🤍

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini

Steph & Travis Peters' involvement (page creator)

We are close friends of Noel and Tammy. They have been our village when we needed it, and this is us returning that care.

Use of funds

Funds will help cover travel to Christchurch, accommodation during surgery and treatment, and essential living costs while Noel is unable to work.

Surgery/Recovery Update 20 December 2025

We wanted to share another update and, once again, pass on just how grateful the Peneamene family are for the incredible tautoko and aroha that has surrounded them.

Noel is now home, a little earlier than expected, but with today being his birthday, he was very keen to be back with his whānau.

Surgery went as well as could be expected, and the surgeon advised that approximately 75% of the tumour was able to be removed. The exact extent will become clearer once things have settled.

Follow up appointments in the coming weeks will help determine the best pathway forward and what treatment options may be needed next.

For now, Noel is resting comfortably at home and is deeply appreciative of the support, generosity, and kindness shown by so many. The family would like you all to know how much they love and appreciate every message, donation, and share.

At this stage, Noel’s focus is on rest and recovery, and your continued thoughts and support mean more than you know 🤍

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