Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata and former New Zealand Defence Force colleagues have raised more than $200,000 for the people of Ngāti Porou hit by Cyclone Gabrielle on the East Coast. Personnel from Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and New Zealand Army joined the former Special Air Service soldier at an auction in Auckland last week to raise funds for the rebuild following the cyclone. A wide range of guests and bidders heard from speakers — including Sir Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant — and they also got the opportunity to talk to members of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)about their experiences responding to Cyclone Gabrielle.

https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/news/apiata-auction-raises-200k-for-ngati-porou

#gisborneherald