23 March 2026: Woolworths New Zealand’s customers responded with generosity after the loss of life in the Mauao and Welcome Bay landslides, and January’s other weather events.

In February Woolworths held a week-long ‘round up’ for disaster relief and customers gave more than $106,000, with Woolworths New Zealand donating a further $10,000.

“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. 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,” said Matthew Grainger, Woolworths New Zealand Director of Property.

The $116,000 raised will be donated to NZ Red Cross ($32,000) which is Woolworths’ ongoing disaster relief partner, with $14,000 each to six Mayoral Relief Funds in affected areas: Whangarei District Council, Thames Coromandel District Council, Hauraki District Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Tauranga City Council and Gisborne District Council.

For New Zealand Red Cross, Secretary General Sarah Stuart-Black said the support will directly help to replenish essential supplies, allowing them to remain ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

“We truly value our partnership with Woolworths. Their 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, said Sarah Stuart-Black.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale visited Woolworths Bureta Park in Otumoetai to thank the team there and to acknowledge Woolworths’ customers. He said January’s severe weather event had a devastating impact on people’s lives and caused significant damage across the city.

“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 their customers for their incredible generosity,” said Mayor Mahé Drysdale.

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz said “we are extremely thankful to Woolworths New Zealand and their customers for this very kind donation. This money will go to those affected by the severe weather event that impacted communities on the East Cape, and particularly those whanau whose homes were most damaged. As a region, Tairawhiti really appreciates the generosity of Woolworths’ customers.”

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer said “this donation is incredibly generous and shows how our community is willing to rally round and 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. I want to thank both Woolworths New Zealand and their customers for their generosity.”

Whangarei Mayor Ken Couper said “Whangarei District Council and the wider community are very grateful to Woolworths customers for their generosity. The funds donated will go towards the Emergency Recovery Fund to support locals affected by the recent weather event, helping them get back on their feet and return to normality.”

Thames-Coromandel District Mayor Peter Revell said “I extend my deepest gratitude for the contribution from Woolworths New Zealand and its customers. 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.”

Woolworths customers also gave more than $326,000 during December for Woolworths' Salvation Army Christmas appeal, with Woolworths donating a further $100,000. A giant cheque for $426,000 was presented to The Salvation Army in early March.

Donations to Mayoral Relief Funds
Donations can still be made to Mayoral Relief Funds in the affected areas:

• Thames Coromandel District Council
• Hauraki District Council
• Western Bay of Plenty District Council
• Tauranga City Council
• Gisborne District Council
  Whangarei District Council’s fund is now closed to public donations.