Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) has launched Adopt-a-Community, a campaign which matches a council unaffected by Cyclone Gabrielle with a council and community badly hit.

Central Otago District and Queenstown Lakes District Council [QLDC] have adopted Central Hawke's Bay District Council.

CODC mayor and LGNZ national council member Tim Cadogan said the campaign’s aim is to raise as much money as possible for the adopted communities. 

“Mayors will be driving the initiative and encouraging donations to their adopted community’s mayoral relief fund,” he said. 

“Local councils play a leading role in the immediate emergency efforts and colleagues from other parts of the North Island and the South Island want to lend a helping hand in a positive and tangible way.” 

Tim said LGNZ came up with this concept as a practical way for mayors from other parts of the country to channel their energy. 

“It creates a direct connection with one of [the] badly affected communities,” he said.

“There are a number of fundraisers underway at the moment and that’s great. Adopt-a-Community, however, will also look to medium to long-term initiatives because we know our colleagues will need that support throughout the year.

“For now, though, the focus is firmly on driving donations straight to the adopted community’s Mayoral Relief Funds, which gives mayors the autonomy to use the funds as needed.

Find the list of mayoral relief funds here.