For those most impacted by the flood devastation in Whirinaki, Hokianga, kai, bedding and clothing were clearly needed, and we were so happy to deliver it all.
Again, community Angels helped out. 
Our awesome volunteers, Sara and Janey helped Trudie sort and pack everything so beautifully (the aroha matters in every box); Gordon at Four Square Waipapa happily donated all the bread and discounted the chickens; E at The Warehouse always has smiles and folded everything so nicely; and all the Hokianga angels keep sharing manaakitanga – caring for everyone… It just feels so good to be part of it all.
A shout-out to Tracey, who bumped into me at The Warehouse and paid for all the towels. (that’s her in the photo with me).
The poor, devastated whānau who lost their homes (fire and floods) were so warm and grateful for gumboots, Easter eggs and some little boxes of aroha. We’ll make sure to keep an eye on them and help out if we can as things settle down and they find new homes (hopefully!).
Thanks again to everyone who has donated. You make it possible to be nimble and respond quickly to these emergencies.
We appreciate you!
Message one week later from Emma (Motutī and Hokianga Civil Defence team):
Yesterday we had all the key services come into Panguru — Council, Hokianga Health, Civil Defence, Whatu Ora, and Work & Income — to kōrero with whānau who have been impacted and to outline what support is available to them moving forward. The council explained clearly that their role is infrastructure and roading and that they only have a small fund to work with. Even though the resources are limited, it was still valuable for whānau to hear directly from each organisation about what they can and can’t do, so expectations are clear. Iwi were present, though they didn’t share much on the day. What stood out the most was the kōrero from whānau themselves. They spoke highly and wholeheartedly about Bald Angels — acknowledging them as the first organisation to respond on the ground and the one that has walked alongside them throughout their whole journey. Whānau expressed that Bald Angels has shown up 100 percent, consistently, compassionately, and without hesitation. They said they will be forever grateful for that awhi.
Response from a recipient on Facebook:
Amy Bristow
Soooo grateful, whanau, for all the love and essential items for our whanau. And our kids were over the moon with their taonga and treats ar this Taimaha time
RESPONSE a few later from a recipient: (on messenger) Cherise Coward
Tena Koe, my name is Cherise from Whirinaki-Hokianga my family and I endured the recent flood March 26th 2026 and then days later i lost our home to a tragic house fire. I have 14 year old with a disability and a 3 year old son also. We just needed to send your team members who came to our emergency house in Omapere and brought boxes of clean and new clothing items with chocolates and provided my family with basic essentials that i as a mum needed. I am so grateful for your kindness and support when I was feeling very overwhelmed with my current situation, and I would like to thank you all for sharing love and joy when I felt so traumatised from what we had experienced. I will forever be grateful to you all to consider supporting my whanau. It’s very challenging for us at this time our home was 71 years old and my sons were the 6th generation to this property and land block. Please, can you give everyone a message that my family are so grateful and felt cared for by you all.
Ngamihi xx
Response from a recipient on Facebook: Amy Bristow
Soooo greatful whanau for all the love and essential items for our whanau. And our kids were over the moon with their taonga and treats ar this Taimaha time
