Bush Fire Concerning Property Owned By Wilderland Trust

The following is a statement from the Wilderland Trust regarding the damages to the property owned by the Wilderland Trust and surrounding properties.

As you may be aware a large bush fire has caused significant damage throughout the immediate Comers Rd area, south of Whitianga affecting Wilderland and neighbouring properties. Thankfully, no lives have been lost nor have there been any injuries.

The members of the Wilderland Trust, all the residents, volunteers and students would like to extend their deepest thanks to the community of Whitianga, from whom the support has been immediate, extensive and amazing. We would like to thank Jemma at the #RiverGlen Holiday Park, the Whitianga/Kuoutunu/Onemana Fire Brigade (and any other precincts that have been involved), the helicopter pilots, the food donators, #WhitiChitChat, Chloe Monrad, Amy Hodge for her extensive help coordinating and supporting the Comer’s Road folks in our time of collective need and all the wonderful people who have provided support – it’s hard to keep track of!

There has been significant damage to property owned by the Wilderland Trust including buildings, vehicles and infrastructure. We will issue another statement regarding the extent of damages when we have been cleared to return to the property. Our hearts go out to our neighbour’s who also have suffered significant loss in this tragic event.

The fire investigation is still underway, all we know at this stage is that the fire originated on a neighbouring property and was already well established before spreading through Wilderland and beyond.

The immediate crisis is under control – thanks in part to the kind donations of accommodation, food, clothes and sanitary items. For all those asking how they can help – PLEASE hold that thought! – we need time to assess the extent of the full damage which will be made evident after we have been cleared to return to the property. However, we know already that our vehicles, workshop & engineering tools, 2 residential houses, 2 caravans for volunteers, business stocks and certified food production areas have been destroyed. Also, essential infrastructure such as electricity and water supplies have sustained damage rendering them inoperable.

Rest assured Wilderland will recover and continue fulfilling its purpose as a center for education and sustainability. With ongoing effort and support we hope to be in a stable state for winter. We have setup an email to facilitate all the kind offers of support that have already begun to stream in. Please email together@wilderland.org.nz to reach us promptly.

Thank you once again everybody for your love and generosity. We are extremely overwhelmed and humbled by the kindness of our wider community.

Wilderland Trust

ENDS

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