Wairoa Mayor Craig Little has been humbled by the local response to the ‘Aroha Tairawhiti’ baking appeal.

The baking campaign was launched this weekto support our Gisborne/Tairawhiti neighbours after the region declared a local state of emergency on Wednesday, January 21, following the East Coast area being once again battered by extreme weather.

Mayor Little said the baking campaign is a chance for Wairoa people to share their aroha with our neighbours, in a similar way to when Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher-Swann came to Wairoa laden with baked goods and other donations after our June 2024 flood. “That visit made us feel like people outside our district cared about us, and it was such a thoughtful gesture.

“I have received a huge number of calls from people wanting to donate baking. I also spoke with Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz and told her about our plans, and she was ‘chuffed’ to hear about Wairoa’s show of manaakitanga.

“The drop-off point for baking is the Age Concern building on the main street. We will be taking the baking to Gisborne on the morning of Friday, February 13th, so we need all baking delivered by the day before, Thursday, February 12.

“Age Concern’s opening hours are 9am to 3pm, and they will be collecting baking donations from next Monday to Thursday. Don’t forget that all baking will need a bit of a shelf life, we won't be able to take any products that need refrigeration, and sorry no baking containers will be able to be returned.

“I have been thrilled with the response from local people and food businesses reaching out and offering to make baking donations. This type of response is typical of Wairoa, where we support other people and show we care through our generosity.

“Please take all baking drop-offs to the Age Concern building next week – before 3pm on Thursday. If you need baking collected from within town, or any other information, please text or call me on 027 475 7278.”

5 February 2026

Back to Home