Community Unity Shines During Mount Maunganui Rescue Efforts
In the face of tragedy at Mauao, the Mount Maunganui community has demonstrated the profound power of collective care, with locals rallying around rescue workers and affected families through acts of kindness both large and small.
Grassroots Support Networks Emerge
Mount locals Rachel and her daughter Brooke Baldwin, a Mount Maunganui College student, exemplified this community spirit when they arrived at Pilot Bay with armloads of freshly baked muffins for rescue workers on Friday afternoon.
"We just felt, you know, there's people from all over New Zealand coming to help us and we can't survey the ground, but what we can do is bake and we can offer our support with kai," Rachel explained, her words capturing the essence of practical solidarity.
The mother-daughter duo prepared an array of treats including lemon and poppy seed muffins, blueberry varieties, and other sweet offerings, wanting to express "how much we appreciate them and our gratitude for everyone."
For young Brooke, the proximity of the tragedy has been particularly affecting. "It's so difficult seeing this tragedy happen so close to our house," she said. "We use those hot pools and we can walk around the Mount. It's devastating for our community."
Coordinated Relief Efforts
The Rapid Response Team's trained volunteers have been operating in shifts, preparing meals for rescue workers at Pilot Bay since Thursday night. Team leader Doug Sobey, drawing on experience from previous natural disasters including Cyclone Gabrielle, approached emergency services immediately upon hearing of the Mount tragedy.
"The people involved in the search are working long and hard," Sobey observed. "The best we can do is help support them, provide refreshments, provide a good quality meal so they can get refreshed, have a break, and then get back into it."
Connected to the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, the group has been able to offer meals free of charge thanks to community donations, demonstrating how diverse community networks can mobilize effectively in crisis situations.
Business Community Responds
Local businesses have also stepped up significantly. The Little Big Markets, under director Rachelle Duffy's leadership, cancelled weekend markets in Mount Maunganui and Whangamatā to redirect resources toward supporting frontline workers and affected families.
"Out of respect for the whānau affected by what's happened on Mauao, we have decided to focus our efforts where the community needs it the most," Duffy explained, partnering with vendors including Oshie & G's and Pipi's ice cream, alongside Mount New World and Little Drum Coffee who donated essential supplies.
Morgan Sayle and her husband Nick, operators of The Burger Lab often based at Omanu Surf Club, offered free burgers and chips to rescue workers from 4:30pm Friday. "We have kids ourselves" and appreciate the responders' dedication, Sayle noted, adding that growing up at the Mount made the tragedy particularly poignant.
Innovative Community Fundraising
Pāpāmoa's Papa Mo's bar and restaurant has organized a pay-what-you-can Relief Keg event for Sunday afternoon, featuring barbecue and raffles with all proceeds supporting affected families. Owner Luke van Veen described it as "an old-school hospo thing" that brings the community together during difficult times.
"A lot of people want to help but feel like their $20 or $50 isn't going to make much difference, but if we can put it in a pot then all of a sudden the community has raised thousands," van Veen explained, highlighting how collective action amplifies individual contributions.
Accommodation and Coordination
Private citizens have also offered practical support, with one Maunganui Road bach owner providing her property to Civil Defence, recognizing that "lots of people are making similar offers." Such gestures reflect the deep connection residents feel to their local environment.
Tauranga City Council emergency management duty controller Gareth Wallis acknowledged the overwhelming community response while emphasizing the importance of following official guidance to avoid interfering with rescue operations.
For those wishing to contribute financially, donations can be directed to the Acorn Foundation NZ at info@acornfoundation.org.nz or through their website.
This remarkable community response illustrates how New Zealand's values of collective care and environmental stewardship manifest during times of crisis, with diverse groups uniting around shared humanity and place-based connection.