Salute to national, local volunteer effort

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

East Coast MP Kiri Allan has acknowledged volunteers helping out in Tairāwhiti’s latest weather event. which coincided with National Volunteers Week last week.

“It’s a special week to honour the collective energies and mana of volunteers in Aotearoa,” she said.

“We honour the selfless service they give, and the community pride that beams from them and restores faith in us.

“To the countless number of volunteers, volunteer organisations, community groups, sports clubs, animal welfare agencies and many, many others, you have my respect and a mountain of gratitude!

“It’s devastating to see the destruction caused by natural weather events and I want to acknowledge everyone who is working relentlessly to get the Coast and town back up and running.

“To all of the volunteers who have stood up to support Aotearoa through all of the extreme weather events we have endured.

“An extra loud shout out to the East Coast Civil Defence crews and volunteer fire brigades. Much respect, you are all amazing!”

Ms Allan said she had seem some volunteers on Facebook which included: Gisborne District Council, Te Akau o Tokomaru Civil Defence. Te Akau o Tokomaru Civil Defence Page, Te Araroa Civil Defence, Te Puia Springs ad Waipiro Bay Civil Defence, Uawa Civil Defence - Tolaga Bay, Manutuke Volunteer Fire Brigade,Civil Defence Rangitukia, Waiapu Civil Defence, Waikohu Civil Defence, Tiniroto Community, Patutahi Community and Bay of Plenty Civil Defence.