Emergency Fund
Kura Tāwhiti - Canterbury Community Foundation is the community foundation for Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri districts. We support people and organisations from all walks of life to achieve their philanthropic ambitions. Together, we are building stronger communities that are empowered to create a better future for their mokopuna.
Part of this mahi is ensuring we are ready to provide rapid financial aid to our community when significant local emergencies occur. In these situations, we may activate a dedicated emergency fund to receive donations and enable timely relief and recovery.
Feburary 2026 Storm Damage Repair Fund
We have partnered with Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust (RDBPT) to open the February 2026 Storm Damage Repair Fund for the recovery of popular walking and cycling tracks on Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula.
On 17 February 2026, heavy rainfall caused flash flooding and landslides in Akaroa, Banks Peninsula and parts of Christchurch City. The impacts have been significant, affecting public access, safety, and the wellbeing of the surrounding whenua (land), awa (water), and rerenga rauropi (biodiversity).
Many popular walking and biking tracks across Banks Peninsula have been badly damaged by the rainfall, rendering them unsafe or unusable. Restoring these tracks and protecting the landscape is now an urgent priority so the community and conservation groups can return safely.
We can all attest to how special these tracks are: for many, they’re a rite of passage, a welcome escape from urban noise, and a mainstay of Central Canterbury.
"Restoring these tracks and strengthening them against future weather events is expected to cost around $500,000.
We are aiming to raise $200,000 towards this, making community support vital to help repair the trail network, protect this iconic region and safely reopen your favourite adventure routes."
Funding Details
Rod Donald Trust are leading the recovery effort and will distribute donations to local community groups and organisations carrying out restoration work across Banks Peninsula. These include:
We welcome gifts of all sizes to support the repair and recovery of your favourite walking, running, and biking trails..
Your support will help:
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Repair damaged walking and cycling routes
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Restore timely and safe public access to the track network
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Continue critical conservation and maintenance work
Donations are collected through KTCCF’s platform on behalf of these organisations, making it easy to give in one place while ensuring funds are distributed quickly and efficiently. Using the Foundation's existing charitable infrastructure and network allows us to streamline administration, coordinate
fundraising efforts and maximise the impact of your gift.
We're also working alongside these groups to amplify their reach by providing promotional and fundraising assistance to help drive recovery. We take a small fee for administration from each donation to cover these services.
Damage Scope
Slips and rain damage has forced the closure of key sections of the Rod Donald Trust and Te Ahu Pātiki track networks, including Faulkner and Monument South. There has also been severe damage to tracks at Living Springs, Orton Bradley Park, Summit Road Society reserves and at Tūpari Reserve.
As a result, popular routes connecting Packhorse Hut, Gebbies Pass, and Rod Donald Hut are currently inaccessible from several entry points, severely limiting walking, running and biking in the area. Some slopes and streams have been stripped back to volcanic bedrock, and natural regeneration will take time.
Access for pest control and other biodiversity work has also been impacted, with serious implications for local wildlife if delayed further.
With repair costs estimated at over $500,000 across the region, we're aiming to raise $200,000 to support urgent recovery efforts. Your backing is crucial to restore access, protect biodiversity, and strengthen community hauora.
You can support this mahi by making a donation via direct credit or credit card through our secure third-party platform. If you prefer, you’re also welcome to donate by bank transfer. Our account number is 01-0815-0133170-00.
When making a transfer, please use the reference Storm Rep Feb26 and include your name (up to 12 characters) in the particulars so we can acknowledge your contribution. Details of your donation (name and amount) will be shared with Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust unless you request otherwise.
The Storm Damage Repair Fund will remain open for donations until June 30 2026. After that, any surplus funds will be allocated to a Disaster Fund to support future response and strengthen local preparedness.
Kura Tāwhiti - Canterbury Community Foundation and Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust share a commitment to caring for our place and planet. Both organisations are registered charities.
For general enquiries, please contact:
lynne.umbers@kuratawhiticcf.org.nz
