Fundraising campaign to help PB kayakers

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

CANOE Racing New Zealand has started a Givealittle page to help raise money for the hard-hit Poverty Bay Kayak Club that had floodwaters through their clubrooms in Anzac Park during Cyclone Gabrielle.

The donation page will also raise money for the Hawke’s Bay Kayak Racing Club, also hard hit.

“We want to support our fellow paddlers in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay after the devastating cyclone,” the Givealittle post reads.

The funds will go directly to the two clubs.

“They will decide the best use to help their club and community,” Canoe Racing NZ said.

At the height of the cyclone, the Waimata River overflowed and floodwaters poured through the kayak club’s gear sheds up to head height.

“They removed some boats from lower racks prior, but could not anticipate it reaching the level that it did.

“Unfortunately, the remaining boats filled with silt from the water, causing many to snap from the weight, with around 20 boats needing fixing or replacement.

“They also need to rebuild their jetty steps, replace roller doors, re-gib stairs and sheds, level the lawn and more.

“Unfortunately for a club like this insurance isn’t affordable, so they need all the financial help they can get to get paddlers back on the water.

“At least a couple of families from the club have lost homes due to flood damage.”

Canoe Racing New Zealand will match donations up to $2000.

“We are also helping the clubs directly with any equipment and access to help that we can.”

To make a donation to the Givealittle page supporting the clubs go to