Western Bay Emergency Response Fund: Supporting Recovery
In late January, Tauranga Moana and the Western Bay of Plenty experienced severe weather that left a lasting mark across our region. Record-breaking rainfall fell within a single day, triggering flooding and landslides that disrupted homes, roads, and the everyday rhythms of community life.
On 21 January 2026, a State of Emergency was declared as the scale of the situation became clear. Landslides in Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay, along with widespread evacuations and road closures, created uncertainty for many neighbourhoods. For some, the impacts were immediate and visible. For others, the effects are still unfolding as recovery continues.
In the days that followed, something else became clear too. Many corners of our community (and wider) came together to check in their neighbours, share information, offer spare rooms, cooked meals, and volunteer their time.
Alongside that care came a steady question from many corners of the community: how can we help in a way that truly makes a difference?
The Western Bay Emergency Response Fund, for many generous donors, helped answer that question.
The fund is a collaborative initiative between Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, TECT, Tauranga City Council, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, created to provide a trusted, coordinated way for community generosity to support the gaps left in the community as it recovers.
The Emergency Response Fund supports local charities, marae, and community organisations that are deeply connected to their communities and are supporting people through practical social assistance, supporting wellbeing, and helping communities find their footing again.
“Our region has been through a challenging time, and we know how strongly people want to support one another,” says Matty Nicholson of Acorn Foundation. “This fund allows that generosity to be channelled through organisations that know their communities well and will be walking alongside them in the weeks and months ahead.”
The response has been humbling. In just over a week, more than $230,000 was raised through donations from individuals, local businesses, and regional partners.
As the months ahead unfold, Acorn Foundation and its partners will continue working closely with charities and community groups, listening as needs change and ensuring support reaches where it is most needed.
Recovery does not happen all at once, and having local organisations resourced to respond over time is vital. The Western Bay Emergency Response Fund is one way our community can continue to support each other throughout the longer journey of recovery.
If you would like to support this work, donations can be made here. All donations remain within the Western Bay of Plenty.