Hawke’s Bay recovery highlights importance of Red Cross Annual Appeal
11 March 2026
A story published this week in the New Zealand Herald highlights the ongoing recovery in Hawke’s Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle and the importance of continued support for the New Zealand Red Cross Annual Appeal.
The story features Hawke’s Bay resident Mercia, who experienced the impacts of the cyclone and is encouraging people to continue supporting Red Cross so the organisation can assist communities when disasters strike.
The generosity of New Zealanders following Cyclone Gabrielle helped raise $28.8 million through the New Zealand (Cyclone Gabrielle) Disaster Fund. That funding was fully committed by the one-year anniversary of the weather event and has supported communities through response, recovery, and resilience initiatives across the region.
Following the cyclone, New Zealand Red Cross deployed Disaster Welfare and Support Teams to affected areas, supporting emergency centres, providing practical assistance to households, and helping connect people with available services and support.
Through the Home Bundle programme, more than 300 households received essential household items to help families return to safe and functional homes following flooding and damage.
Red Cross also worked alongside local community groups, hapū, iwi, marae, and organisations to support community-led recovery projects and initiatives that addressed locally identified needs.
In addition to immediate recovery support, funding has also helped strengthen community preparedness for future emergencies. This includes supporting projects with Hastings District Council and Napier City Council to establish community hubs and improve local readiness for future events.
The New Zealand Red Cross Annual Appeal helps ensure the organisation can continue its humanitarian work both here in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. Donations support disaster preparedness, emergency response, and community recovery efforts when crises occur.
Further information
You can support the Annual Appeal by donating today.
Read the full New Zealand Story below.
Lead image: Hawke's Bay resident Mercia