We meet up with Ezra from Cooper Tyres who with his team have created a collection of food, blankets and water for Edgecumbe flood victims.
People around Tauranga and further afield have been quick to offer aid and money to the thousands affected by the Edgecumbe flooding.
A Facebook page, Kia Kaha Edgecumbe, was set up just hours after the swollen Rangitaiki River burst its banks and flooded the township. The page garnered more than 2000 members by 3pm yesterday.
❤❤ EDGECUMBE FOOD COLLECTION ❤❤
We are praying for our neighbors in Edgecumbe, New Zealand during this tough time. We...
On the page people are co-ordinating pick up and drop off zones for donations, which items are needed and where help can be directed. Those running the page were also hoping to co-ordinate a clean-up exercise when it becomes safe to re-enter the town. Efforts were also being made to reunite beloved pets with their owners.
A Givealittle page has also been set up, titled 'Whakatane & Edgecumbe Flood Fundraiser 2017'.
All funds raised will be donated to the Whakatane District Council to help communities effected by the flooding.
In Mount Maunganui, men working at a tyre shop spent their Friday loading up a trailer with donated food, blankets and water.
Coopers Tyres technician Jayden Khan said they planned to deliver trailer loads throughout the weekend.
"Obviously, just with what's happened, it's a bit of a disaster. We've got customers that actually travel from Edgecumbe quite a lot so we just thought we would help out our community," he said.
We just want to make sure that the people are alright.
The collection's Facebook post, like the Kia Kaha Edgecumbe page, went live on Wednesday night and has had a strong response.
"We've heard a lot of stories and everyone seems okay but not really their houses and properties," Mr Khan said.
Mr Khan said some people have offered furniture but it was too early to determine who might need replacements. However, many Edgecumbe residents fled without packing food or blankets, which was the focus of the collection.
"We just want to make sure that the people are all right."
Mr Khan said they expected to make multiple trips to Edgecumbe over the weekend.
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology's agriculture department also offered its students to help with the clean-up next week.
