Members of the Napier City Rovers Central League squad have skipped training to help the community of Waiohiki clean up after the devastation left by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Waiohiki Marae trustee Te Kaha Hawaikirangi told RNZ the devastation in the area was extensive.
“Of the just under 80 houses that are in Waiohiki, around 95 percent of them have been affected,” Hawaikirangi said.
Nearby Puketapu and Eskdale were similarly devastated, with reports of cars and trucks tipped over, and thousands of tonnes of silt left by floodwater putting property and health at risk.
In an update on their social media, Rovers say:
“They’ll be going to work soon in Puketapu, helping residents there.
“Well done, boys. The club is very proud of the mahi you are doing out there.”
Main photo: The work continues to clear debris. Below, more photographs of the Rovers’ contingent, helping out in Waiohiki.
How you can help
Meanwhile, Rovers are urging those who want to help to donate to a fund set up by the Maca Sports Leadership Charitable Trust which has started with $2,000 to help the rangitahi, tamariki and communities they have been working with and that have been harmed by the Cyclone.
“They will also be giving out grocery and petrol vouchers to those families in need, in particular those in temporary accommodation,” Rovers say.
Donations can be made to bank account 03 0631 0039649-000 reference ‘donate’. More information is available at Maca Sports Leadership Charitable Trust’s Facebook page >>>>
More football stories
