Association President's message in wake of Cyclone Gabrielle
Date: 
Saturday, 25 February, 2023

Fellow Gunners,

In the wake of the weather event in Auckland last month and the impact of Cyclone Gabriel, I am really conscious of the impact that this could have on our members.
For all of you who were affected in some way, our thoughts are with you.

For those of you who have been affected, the Civil Defence website has important information, on how to access help. The Cyclone Gabriel fact sheet has a lot of useful information. Don’t be hesitant in getting the help that is offered.

https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/

In terms of long-term support, don’t forget your local RSA. Although you may not be a member, they can provide access to Veterans’ Affairs’, if you are a Returned Serviceperson, or put you in touch with the local National RSA support person in your area. Any ex member of the NZDF even if not serving overseas is entitled to support from the RSA.

We want you to know that you’re not alone.

Practically, in the immediate aftermath, if you know of a Gunner who needs help, reach out to your network, contact other Gunners – form groups of helpers, in the model of Operation Ubique, to volunteer time and effort where it is needed. With this in mind, if you are willing and able to act as a local coordinator, having the capacity of checking out somebody your network advises you of, or having a network of ex serving gunners available to go to help a gunner in need, could you please drop an email to:

rnza.association@gmail.com

giving your name, location, phone and e,mail. We will act as an overall coordinator to put you in touch with gunners we hear about who need a helping hand.

There are also funds being raised which you could donate money to.

Remember, you are not alone. Help is available if you need it.

Ubique,
Shay Bassett
President
Royal New Zealand Artillery Association.