News & Media

Surtees CEO Presents Cheque to Mayor of Whakatane, NZ

Over $7000 raised from Surtees Givealittle fundraiser following cancellation of Annual Fishing Tournament.

Surtees Boats CEO Adam Dyck visited the offices of Whakatane District Council this week to meet Mayor Tony Bonne, presenting a cheque to the Mayoral Relief Fund. The final amount raised from the Surtees Boats Givealittle page was $7,101. This adds to the growing fund which has been set up in response to the devastating floods that affected the region at the beginning of April 2017.

The 12th Annual Surtees Boats Fishing Tournament had been due to take place in April but was cancelled due to what had been described by experts as a ‘one in 500-year event’. River levels across the region were at record levels with a state of emergency being declared in Edgecumbe after river banks were breached. This, in turn, made the Whakatane bar dangerous to cross with significant amounts of debris in the water.

The town of Edgecumbe was evacuated after floodwaters inundated homes causing damage to many properties. With the local community affected, including staff and family from Surtees HQ, the decision was made to set up a Givealittle page to fundraise.

Many fishing competitors requested to donate their entry fees from the cancelled tournament, which Surtees Boats matched, to the Givealittle fund. This was topped up from donations from staff, members of the public and from fishing competition sponsors. Two major sponsors, Garmin and Lone Star Marine, made donations of over $1000.

Mayor Tony Bonne welcomed the Surtees team into the district council offices, and over a cup of tea explained how the fund will be managed and distributed to areas affected. Surtees Boats CEO Adam Dyck said “The flooding had a significant impact at Surtees with a number of our team, their families or friends affected. Thanks to competitors, sponsors and to everyone who donated. The level of support within the community has been incredible.”

More information on how to donate.