KEY POINTS:
Wanganui people have raised more than $12,000 for Northland flood relief.
With a large cake stall, street appeals and a pub fundraiser, the city made a huge effort to help its "friends in the North".
Wanganui district councillor and campaign organiser Ray Stevens said he knew how Northlanders felt because the city suffered devastating floods in 2004.
"We've been in the same boat and at the time got support from people all over the country - so we thought the neighbourly thing to do was to return the favour.
"I was hoping to raise about $12,000 so I'm really thrilled that we've met that target. People's generosity has overwhelmed me," he said.
Mr Stevens organised a street appeal - postponed when the original date clashed with an Alzheimer's fundraiser - and went collecting in pubs.
"We raised a huge amount. I'm also really pleased with the cake stall which was a magnificent success," he said.
Women from the Wanganui Women's Bowling Club are to thank for that - making more than 100 cakes, biscuits and jars of marmalade which they sold for $800.
Shirley Cook organised the baking marathon.
"We like to bake to help. We've been really worried about how everyone is getting on up there so we were glad to do our bit."
The Wanganui Mayoral Relief Fund topped up donations with $5000, which Mayor Michael Laws said he hoped would ease Northlanders' distress
Wanganui was a "relatively small and poor council" but wanted to offer as much support as possible.
Whangarei Mayor Pamela Peters said the people of Wanganui had to be "congratulated and thanked for their efforts and empathy".
"They are no strangers to devastating weather events themselves.
"It was only 3 1/2 years ago that they experienced flooding severe enough to destroy infrastructure, land, homes and livelihoods," she said. "On behalf of the people of Northland, I thank all those who contributed to this appeal. We are heartened by their thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit."
* Donations can still be made to the Mayoral Relief Fund.
Far North: Any Westpac branch by calling 0800 255-556 (account 03-0334-0165198-00).
Whangarei: Any BNZ branch (account 02-1257-0011199-000).
Kaipara: Any BNZ branch (account 020-0308-0090743-020).
- Northern Advocate
