Willie Apiata says Ngāti Porou has been doing incredible mahi helping those affected by the cyclone. File pic Photo: Getty Images / Hagen Hopkins
Willie Apiata and other former New Zealand Defence Force colleagues have raised more than $200,000 for a Tai Rāwhiti iwi impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
He was joined by personnel from the Royal New Zealand Navy and the New Zealand Army to raise funds for the rebuild and for the people of Ngāti Porou.
A live and silent auction took place in Auckland where items such as Apiata's Victoria Cross medallion, a copy of Queen Elizabeth's II funeral programme signed by Victoria Cross recipients and a special air service book and brooch were up for grabs.
Apiata said he wanted to give back in any way possible to a community that raised him.
"Ngāti Porou has been doing incredible mahi assisting those impacted. They are my whānau. We moved to Te Kaha when I was seven years old and I've been looked after by Ngāti Porou ever since, and now this is a way that I can show my appreciation and support the community until it's thriving again.
"Ngāti Porou need our help and we must keep the story of the East Coast alive. We have an opportunity to build a sustainable recovery. We need to come together to support the future and way of life for the East Coast and its people."
One of the items that did particularly well was a photographic portrait of Apiata on his horse, which raised $35,000.
"This portrait featuring my horse Blue is very special to me. I have 13 horses. Wild horses have taught me so much."
Apiata leaves the country on Tuesday to fly to London to attend King Charles' coronation. He is part of New Zealand's official delegation for the event.
Ruahei Demant Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Among the bidders and guests at the auction were Sir Graham Henry, Wayne Smith and Black Fern Ruahei Demant who spoke to the NZDF about their experiences with Cyclone Gabrielle.
Other items auctioned included work by New Zealand artists Steve Baker, Tom Gould, Derek Henderson, Holly Burgess and Finn Cochran, along with a signed Black Ferns rugby jersey.
Almost 1000 NZDF personnel along with several ships, aircraft and military vehicles were involved at the height of the response to the destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Warrant Officer Lance Graham from the Royal New Zealand Navy said he was humbled by the service the NZDF was able to provide.
"Supporting this fundraiser event was another way we can continue to show our service to those affected by the cyclone."
Corporal Storm Harrison from NZ Army 5/7 Battalion is Ngāpuhi, the Northland-based iwi, and was at the forefront of the NZDF Cyclone Gabrielle response.
"Willie's invitation to help the people of Ngāti Porou affected by the floods is immense. NZDF personnel did such a tremendous job to help Tai Rāwhiti at the time and now we can help with this. It really is humbling," he said.