It has been a challenging year to reflect on, since December 9th, 2019 changed our community forever. Missing from the hustle and bustle on the streets of Whakatane has been the sound of excited foreign tongues...attracted  to our region to view and experience the jewel in the crown of the Eastern Bay of Plenty. 

Whakaari not only provided a magnificent backdrop on our eastern horizon, but also a strong economic base upon which many businesses and industries depended. In a moment, this forever changed our community...however this cataclysmic eruption also expanded the hearts of those who worked together with care, compassion and kindness to do whatever was needed to assist families and to rebuild livelihoods. 

Today we remember and salute those who have endured and survived the physical and emotional effects of this event, along with those who have generously gifted funds to assist with the medium and long term rehabilitation and care of New Zealanders affected.