That work came to a sudden halt after floodwaters damaged her home in P\u0101map\u016bria, near Kait\u0101ia, leaving her without possessions, income, or the ability to continue helping others.<\/p>\n
Ahu, who has been medically diagnosed with COPD, said she was unable to take on the physical demands of recovery alone, but praised the support she received from council crews and Civil Defence.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were absolutely amazing. They provided me with accommodation, skips and a crew to help clean up. I was truly grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite that support, the personal toll has been overwhelming.<\/p>\n
\u201cI couldn\u2019t give any more to Kaitaia Wh\u0101nau in Need that I couldn\u2019t exactly do for myself in the space that I was in. It made the most emotional decision to actually have to give it up.\u201d<\/p>\n
While managing the Northerner\u2019s 78-room emergency accommodation, Kait\u0101ia Wh\u0101nau in Need founder Deirdre Ahu helped families with shared meals and community support.<\/p>\n
She credited the \u201camazing community\u201d in the Far North that helped her co-ordinate the service. <\/p>\n
She has organised the delivery of Christmas gifts, supplied families with furniture, food and clothing and provided elderly residents with extra food and care.<\/p>\n
Since announcing the closure, she said she has been flooded with messages from people offering to help keep the initiative going.<\/p>\n
The organisation began after Ahu came across a plea from a young mother who needed help after having a premature baby.<\/p>\n
The response from the community was immediate and overwhelming, with donations covering the child\u2019s needs for up to two years. Ahu said. <\/p>\n
From there, requests for help continued, and Kait\u0101ia Wh\u0101nau in Need grew into a trusted community network.<\/p>\n
Over the years, the group has provided food for families, distributed donated furniture, and supported those facing financial hardship.<\/p>\n