Community Champion Deirdre Ahu Faces "Trialling Times" After Home Destroyed by Floods

Deirdre Ahu, founder of Kaitāia Whānau in Need, has been forced to close her charity after devastating floods destroyed her home and belongings.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 4:41 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

A Legacy of Service

Deirdre founded Kaitāia Whānau in Need after seeing a social media plea from a new mother with nothing for her premature baby. What started as a single act of kindness grew into a regional lifeline:

Food & Clothing: Providing parcels for 100 whānau a month and clothing for 80 people a week.

Adopt a Granny: A successful 2024 initiative pairing volunteers with the elderly for fortnightly welfare checks.

Specialized Care: Care packs for solo dads and support for women fleeing domestic violence.

"I’ve Lost Everything"