Appeal to help volunteers

An appeal has been launched to raise money for Department of Conservation volunteers who lost most of their possessions in a house fire.

The group of seven, who came from New Zealand and overseas, were staying at a Turangi house while in the area volunteering.

The group lost thousands of dollars worth of equipment - including computers and tramping gear - in the blaze which was caused by fireworks.

Now the conservation department has set up an appeal to help them get back on their feet.

Community relations officer Lianne Fraser said the Turangi community had really pulled together and helped out - but they were still asking for donations.

She said money was the most useful thing to donate as the group had lost almost everything.

"We're talking toothbrushes to laptops.

"Money is probably the most useful, then they can get what they need."

Ms Fraser said the Tongariro National History Society had contacted all its members after the fire, and some had offered the use of holiday homes.

Another man had driven up from Wairarapa with food for the volunteers.

Ms Fraser said anyone who wanted to donate money could do so at either the Rotorua or Turangi branch of the Department of Conservation.

- Daily Post