Woolworths customers have responded with remarkable generosity since the tragic loss of life in the Mauao and Welcome Bay landslides and other severe weather events in January.

A week‑long disaster relief “round-up” held in February raised more than $106,000 from customers, with Woolworths contributing an additional $10,000, bringing the total to $116,000.

“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 Aotearoa,” Woolworths New Zealand property director Matthew Grainger said.

“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.”

Red Cross and Mayoral Relief funds

Of the total raised, $32,000 will be donated to New Zealand Red Cross, Woolworths’ long‑standing disaster relief partner. Six Mayoral Relief Funds in the regions most affected will receive $14,000 each:

- Whangārei District Council

- Thames-Coromandel District Council

- Hauraki District Council

- Western Bay of Plenty District Council

- Tauranga City Council

- Gisborne District Council

New Zealand Red Cross secretary-general Sarah Stuart‑Black said the support would directly replenish essential supplies, enabling the organisation to stay 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 Aotearoa when it matters most.

“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.”

Local leaders express their gratitude

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale visited Woolworths Bureta Park to thank the team and acknowledge customer contributions.

“January’s severe weather event had a devastating impact on people’s lives and caused significant damage across the city,” he said.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale with Woolworths New Zealand director of property Matthew Grainger and the team at Woolworths Bureta Park, Ōtūmoetai. Photo / Tauranga City Council

“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.”

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz also acknowledged the donation, saying it would support East Cape residents whose homes were most badly damaged.

“As a region, Tairāwhiti really appreciates the generosity of Woolworths’ customers,” she said.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer said the donation demonstrated how strongly communities rallied to support those in need.

“I know that funds already distributed have made a big impact for those currently struggling with the effects of the storm.”

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer. Photo / David Hall

Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper said the contribution would support the district’s Emergency Recovery Fund, helping affected residents “get back on their feet and return to normality.”

Thames-Coromandel Mayor Peter Revell said: “Our communities faced extraordinary loss: homes damaged or destroyed, essential belongings ruined, and access to properties cut off. Yet in the midst of this hardship, the generosity of individuals and corporations has provided immediate relief and a sense of hope.”