Out goal is to try and recoup what was lost at sea!
Tauranga, Bay Of Plenty
Connor and Sam are an awesome couple with a bunch of great kids. They recently committed to an exciting opportunity to work with a community development organisation in Samoa. This organisation is planning to build a youth adventure camp at Lalomanu Beach.
Connor was recruited to run the long line tuna fishing operation in Samoa which was going to raise the funds for this camp build along with other eco development projects.
A NZ fishing vessel was bought and Con and the crew set forth on 12 July to Samoa with a boat full of the family's possessions, fishing gear, and big dreams.
Sadly, just 45nm from the Kermadec Islands on 18 July this faithful vessel had a catastrophic engine failure and in the face of a building weather system, the crew had to abandon ship. They were well prepared and executed this text book style. Con and crew were rescued by an incredible, coordinated effort between Search and Rescue NZ, NZ Airforce, and an Argentinian Oil Tanker with the best crew ever. We are beyond grateful to these expert teams.
For Con, Sam and their family, the dream to serve the community did not sink with that little fishing vessel. They fly to Samoa in 10 days to do inshore fishing on small boats and help this organisation raise funds they need.
Unfortunately while the dream is afloat, their clothes, tools, fishing gear, kids toys and games, are gently resting on the ocean floor.
We have 10 days to raise as much as possible for this family!!
THANK YOU for whatever you can give!!
Connor is a very close family friend of mine, and the son of my best friend, Natalie Richardson.
Any funds raised will be used to replace clothes and other personal items, tools, games and toys, medical supplies and fishing gear, which they lost when the boat sank.
And they are off! 1 August 2025
From Nat…
Just wanted to send out an enormous thank you for all the support, awhi and aroha sent for Connor, Sam and the kids. Big thanks to Patty Carlson for setting up the Give a Little page! It’s been very humbling and we are all so very grateful The family is all packed and ready to fly to Samoa tomorrow!! Con and Sam will be supporting the organisation Eco Pirates which is an awesome grass roots eco community development group. I will keep updates coming through!! Arohanui x
Thank you Veronica!!
Thank you Lynda!! xx
Thanks soooo much!!! Especially appreciate your prayers!! xx
Thanks Bonnie! xx
Thanks heaps!
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.