25 February 2023
So here we are again friends, after less than a month since the devastating floods, not to mention Cyclone Gabrielle which heaped plenty more misery on the country, the North Island has once again suffered from another absolute deluge of water overnight. As of this morning, Northland is cut off from Auckland by road and you can check the latest situation facing the country here as the rain "Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and central North Island regions". Here is the latest from MetService. If you're doing OK and want to help, check the resources below to see whether they need any help.
30 January 2023
Well, whānau, what a time. As we finally come up for air following the unprecedented floods in Tāmaki Makaurau and with potentially more coming on the horizon, it’s time for us to come through for each other. Below is a list of resources where you can help Aucklanders out of a sticky situation.
Firstly, if you need support, call 0800 400 100.
If you’re doing okay and have time, money, food or items to spare, there are a load of different community organisations and charities that would really appreciate your support right now.
Donate Your Dollars
It’s okay if you don’t have time to spare to help clean up and, luckily, it takes no time at all to donate money in support of organisations that are on the ground, helping to rebuild flood victims’ lives.
Lifewise, Karangahape Road
The Lifewise Merge Cafe is providing free kai for those in need between 7am and 2pm Monday to Friday. Support this vital mahi here.
Ruapōtaka Marae, Glen Innes
This urban marae has been supporting flood victims by providing accommodation support, food parcels and clothing. Show your support by phoning 0800 276 8252 to donate.
Lazy Susan, city-wide
According to the Restaurant Association, 85% of hospo businesses have been impacted in some way by the current weather situation, while 55% have been forced to shut up shop because of it. You can donate to affected businesses here.
Orange Sky, city-wide
Help this free mobile community laundry and shower service keep trucking along by digging deep and donating now.
Give The Gift Of Kai
Don’t let our communities go hungry. Whatever you can spare will be appreciated, bonus if you have the means to donate a brand new trolley-load of groceries.
The Ark Collective, Wesley
Drop crackers, biscuits, peanut butter, jam, honey, water and any towels or toiletries to Wesley Community Emergency Hub at 24 Potter Ave. Take a squiz at their Facebook page to see what they’re in most urgent need of.
Gurdwaras, North, West and South
Sikh temples all around Tāmaki Makaurau have put the call out for bulk supplies of rice and pasta so if you’ve got some bags kicking around your pantry, drop them to your local temple.
Kindness Collective, Mt Eden
Help this community-focused charity spread kindness to Kiwi families in need by donating pantry staples like cereal, UHT milk, canned fruit, tea, coffee, cup noodles, muesli bars, rice to 5/4 Rocklands Avenue.
Donate Useful Items
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to Marie Kondo your house, this is it. Everything is useful right now, from spare wet weather gear and warm blankets to cleaning supplies and hygiene products.
Sunday Blessings, Ellen Melville Centre
This community meal service is accepting useful item donations between 10am and 5pm and are on the lookout for underwear, toiletries, blankets, pillows, bags and raincoats.
Auckland Central Evacuation Centre, Mt Roskill
Cleaning and kitchen supplies, as well as toiletries, wet weather gear and art supplies and games for kids are in high demand at this community evacuation centre. Drop donations to 24 Potters Avenue.
Warming Hearts, various
This midwife-run charity is collecting clothes, blankets and nappies for newborns and babies. Find your nearest donation point here.
Volunteer Your Time
Time is one of our most precious commodities and if you’re willing to muck in and do the mahi alongside these organisations, you’re a total legend.
Te Hunga Tūao Student Volunteer Army, various
The SVA is anticipating response work will be ongoing, for the next 1-3 weeks at least. If you’d like to get involved in the clean up, complete this form and you’ll be contacted by one of their team members.
Waka Of Caring, Manurewa East
This incredible grassroots organisation is providing free clothing and food parcels to all those in need. From time to time they post on socials asking for people to help sort donations.
NZ Ethnic Women’s Trust, Mt Roskill
This collective of migrant and refugee women is doing serious mahi to create safe spaces for women to freely express themselves. They currently need help cleaning up rubbish.
Wild weather got you wanting to level up your sustainability game? Check out 7 ways to reduce your carbon footprint and slow climate change.
Image credit: distelAPPArath.