Freemasons collect $30,000 for mayoral relief fund

Flood Relief Donation: From left, Robert Bos (New Zealand Constitution), Josh Wharehinga (deputy mayor), Graeme Martin (deputy district grand master of English Constitution) and Tony Ford (District grand master). Picture by Avneesh Vincent

Gisborne Freemasons have handed over  $30,000 for the Tairāwhiti Mayoral Relief Fund.

All the lodges in New Zealand and some from overseas contributed to the amount.

“It is probably the biggest and quickest collection of funds for such a cause in my 45 years of being a Freemason,” said Robert Bos, Freemasons New Zealand constitution and flood relief organisation secretary.

Mr Bos said the aid effort started in Manawatu with a donation of $421 from a lodge which was closing.

The Grand Lodge in Auckland chipped in, together with other lodges, including the four in Gisborne and another from Scotland.

“We hope the mayoral relief fund is going to make good use of it,” Mr Bos said.

Deputy mayor Josh Wharehinga accepted the donation.

“On behalf of the Gisborne District Council I have had many opportunities to visit a number of areas which have sustained some major damage. So from the bottom of my heart I greatly appreciate such a reverent offering.

“It’s not just the donation that we are grateful for but also the token of people’s thoughts and care for our region from other places.”

Mr Wharehinga finished with a waiata, Iritekura, something he said one of his daughters liked to sing.

“It’s been only eight weeks since Gabrielle and it’s going to take us many years to recover. So keep us in your thoughts, Aotearoa and the mayoral fund is always open for those who want to contribute.”