Even though it's now almost two months since the devastating Edgecumbe flood, last Sunday's S.O.S Edgecumbe Charity Ride proves the wider community haven't forgotten.

Tauranga Weekend Riders founder Tony Ngawhika says around $7000 has been raised as result of the ride.

'We got about $4000 from the bikies on the day, and the rest came from raffles and badges. It was pretty amazing.”

He says a big thank you needs to go out to Bayride Motorcycles as well, for donating most of the prizes for the raffles.

The big turnout of more than 400 riders was also a factor in the event's success.

'My cousins from Tumeke Riders in the Far North came down as well, so it was pretty cool seeing them there with the other clubs from Tauranga.”

Originally, the riders were supposed to converge on Edgecumbe Memorial Hall, but ended up meeting at Te Teko Racecourse instead, where the Oho Ake Rise Up Edgecumbe Concert was playing.

'They were supposed to have their big concert day on Saturday, but it got postponed because of the rain. So they invited us to join them,” says Tony.

'We were there for about two hours. It was good for me personally, because I was able to talk to all the people from the town. They were just amazed. All of these people were shaking my hand and saying it was incredible.”

He stresses it's always been about Edgecumbe, and it was a real team effort.

'We were lucky to have people providing their services, like our graphic designer and embroiderer. All the paperwork and badges were done super-fast on the day, thanks to our volunteers.”

The money raised will go towards buying basic necessities for flood-affected Edgecumbe residents.