Whakatāne Resident Helping Raise Funds for Mauao Families

Whakatāne resident Mack Apaapa, is honoured to be performing and MC at the Aroha in Action fundraiser.

The Yard, in Papamoa is hosting a raffle, market, and food truck fusion fundraiser on Saturday to raise funds for families of those whose loved ones passed in the Mauao tragedy.  

Mack Apaapa was approached by The Yard to join the fundraiser for Mata Brewery where he works.  

However, his role in the event changed when orgainisers found out he could assist with sound equipment and a band.  

Now, Apaapa's three-piece band Barrell House, will be opening the night, preforming alongside artists including Tiki Taane, Joel Shadbolt (Frontman of L.A.B), Swizl Jager and Sophie Maude.  

Barrell House in action PHOTO: Supplied

Apaapa said the opportunity left him humbled.  

"We have Tiki Taane singing, and I said, ‘and you want us to sing?’ But it's really about, because they're part of the community; they're all coming on board to sing." 

He said nerves are high and he was not sure what to play at first.  

"When we got invited to do this one, I said yes, and then I went back home and I thought, what do you play at something like this?" 

Despite this, he said his sister has helped him curate a set that will make the night a positive and heartwarming extension of aroha.  

This has already been felt with the number of volunteers, donations, and expected attendees at the event.  

He said as of Wednesday, 37 sponsors had given donations to the raffle.  

The raffle will be the main fundraiser for the night.  

By Wednesday, 30 stalls had offered to participate, and he expected this number to increase.  

Food trucks involved will give 50% of their sales from the night towards the families.  

Organisers anticipate around 1,500 attendees.  

Apaapa said he believes after the slips, people wanted to know what they could do. 

"They just want to be a part of anything that's happening, and it showed in all the other fundraisers that have been going on too." 

"They've been well supported, and this one's going to be too," he said. 

He hopes Whakatāne can show their support because "It's not just Mount Maunganui and Tauranga affected, it's Papamoa, it's the Eastern Bay." 

The Yard said the event will be a mix between live performers and an open mic. 

It encourages people to "get up, have a jam, share a song or spoken word." 

It encourages people to bring their whanau along to the community led support.  

Apaapa and the Barrell House will take to the stage as openers at 2pm on Saturday.