Community rallies behind East Coast recovery

Bringing together sponsors, partners, volunteers, service providers and community organisations from across the region, the event demonstrated the power of collaboration in supporting farmers, whenua Māori landowners and whānau through the ongoing recovery effort. With close to 300 attendees, including farmers, farm staff, whenua Māori landowners, iwi representatives, rural organisations, service providers and local whānau, the day showcased both the scale of support mobilised and the strength of community connections across the region. 

Led by Beef + Lamb New Zealand's (B+LNZ) Mātanga Whenua Māori (Māori agribusiness extension specialist) Pania King and delivered in partnership with Tairāwhiti Whenua Charitable Trust, the initiative was made possible through the collective contribution of organisations and individuals who shared a common goal: helping East Coast communities recover and rebuild. 

"What stood out to me wasn't just the amount of support that was mobilised, but the willingness of so many people and organisations to get behind the Kaupapa (purpose)," says King. 

"This was never about one organisation delivering an event. It was about bringing together people who all believed our farming communities deserved to know they hadn't been forgotten. 

"Watching so many organisations willingly contribute their time, resources and expertise reinforced just how much can be achieved when relationships come first and everyone commits to the same kaupapa." 

A key component of the initiative was the provision of fencing materials and resources to support properties still rebuilding damaged infrastructure. While delivering support into one of New Zealand's most remote farming regions came with logistical challenges, organisations across the sector stepped forward to help. 

Contributions included donated materials, transport, machinery, sponsorship, professional expertise, volunteer labour and support services. Together, those efforts created an estimated $250,000 investment into East Coast recovery. 

The initiative was achieved without direct government funding, highlighting the commitment of industry partners, iwi organisations, trusts, businesses and rural communities to continue backing the region's recovery. 

The recovery day also provided an opportunity for farmers and whānau to access practical advice, connect with support services and catch up with others facing similar challenges. 

B+LNZ director and East Coast farmer Patrick Crawshaw said the event reflected the strength of the region and the people within it. 

"Beef + Lamb New Zealand was proud to help bring partners together, but the real success belongs to the community. Every organisation, every volunteer and every partner demonstrated what is possible when we choose to work collectively around a shared purpose." 

King says the event showed what is possible when people work together. 

"We often talk about the importance of partnerships, but this was a real example of what that looks like in practice. Every organisation, volunteer and supporter contributed something valuable. 

"The success of the day belongs to everyone who got involved. Together they've made a meaningful contribution to helping our communities continue their recovery journey." 

“I’d like to thank my B+LNZ teammates Ali Forbes, Charles Taituha, and Kayla Koia for their support of this event, and Bella Hawkins (B+LNZ Kāhui) and Patrick Crawshaw (B+LNZ Director) for attending.” 

Thank you.  

A collective effort 

B+LNZ’s East Coast Recovery Event was made possible through the support of a wide range of sponsors, partners and volunteers who contributed funding, materials, expertise and time. 

B+LNZ specially thanks the below sponsors and partners. 

Photography: Rebecca Williams