Woolworths New Zealand’s customers responded with generosity after the loss of life in the Mauao and Welcome Bay landslides, and January’s other weather events.
In February, Woolworths held a week-long ' round up’ for disaster relief, and customers gave more than NZD 106,000, with Woolworths New Zealand donating a further NZD 10,000.
“We were humbled by the number of customers and Woolworths team members who wanted to help after the appalling events at Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay, and the impact of weather events on other communities across New Zealand," said Matthew Grainger, Woolworths New Zealand Director of Property.
"We were blown away by the generosity and speed of customer and team responses. Their help will make a real difference to communities that need it now, and for future resilience."
The NZD 116,000 raised will be donated to NZ Red Cross (NZD 32,000), which is Woolworths’ ongoing disaster relief partner, with NZD 14,000 each to six Mayoral Relief Funds in affected areas: Whangārei District Council, Thames Coromandel District Council, Hauraki District Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Tauranga City Council and Gisborne District Council.
For the New Zealand Red Cross, Secretary General Sarah Stuart-Black said the support will directly help to replenish essential supplies, allowing them to remain ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
“We truly value our partnership with Woolworths. Its support helps ensure we can connect with families and communities across New Zealand when it matters most," said Sarah Stuart-Black.
"Thanks to the incredible support of our donors and partners, we’re able to be there in times of disaster, providing urgent relief, supporting recovery, and helping communities prepare for what comes next."
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale visited Woolworths Bureta Park in Otumoetai to thank the team there and to acknowledge Woolworths’ customers. He said January’s severe weather event had a devastating impact on people’s lives and caused significant damage across the city.
“This generous donation will help provide much‑needed financial support to those directly affected. On behalf of Tauranga City, I would like to thank Woolworths New Zealand and its customers for their incredible generosity,” said Mayor Mahé Drysdale.
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz was extremely thankful to Woolworths New Zealand and its customers for this very kind donation.
"This money will go to those affected by the severe weather event that impacted communities on the East Cape, and particularly those whānau whose homes were most damaged. As a region, Tairāwhiti really appreciates the generosity of Woolworths’ customers," he said.
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer added that this donation is incredibly generous and shows how the community is willing to rally round and support those in need.
Woolworths customers also donated more than NZD 326,000 in December to Woolworths' Salvation Army Christmas appeal, with Woolworths donating a further NZD 100,000. A giant cheque for NZD 426,000 was presented to The Salvation Army in early March.
