Maori-owned orchards bounce back from cyclone damage
A large Māori-owned kiwifruit business that was badly damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle has bounced back with a vengeance.
Funds raised from the sale painting will be donated to help with the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery.
This original art piece was painted by Coromandel based artist Mary James, who previously lived and worked at Kohunui. It will be framed in a rustic Totara frame and will also be on display at the Tangihau bull sale.
The Olivers say they were inspired to help out with the cyclone recovery after watching Kiwi war hero and Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata on TV, who has raised $220,000 for cyclone-impacted communities.
Apiata has urged New Zealanders to remember the isolated East Coast communities, who are now more isolated than ever following the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. "This is a really good cause and that's what it is all about - our people," he says. The money raised from the auction of the Angus bull painting will go to the Tairawhiti Emergency Management Fund.
