Latest news with #Givealittle
RNZ News
31 minutes ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Kiwi who raised $58k for a family in Gaza wants Givealittle to continue allowing fundraisers
A screenshot showing the Givealittle page set up for a family in Gaza. Photo: Screenshot / Givealittle A New Zealander who raised over $50,000 for a family in Gaza is calling on Givealittle to unlock pages collecting donations for those caught up in the conflict. On Tuesday RNZ reported New Zealand donors were fighting Givealittle for refunds after their page was shut down over concerns about financing terrorism in Gaza. Just over a year ago, Sarai Tuhua joined Project Love Brigade which got people to partner up with families in Gaza and fundraise for them. Tuhua was partnered with a man named Abdullah Elshai and his daughters Swar and Musk. Since then, she told RNZ that she had been able raise nearly $58,000 for the three people so they could have food, fuel and materials. Tuhua said the money had mainly been raised through social media and people donating directly to a bank account, however she set up a Givealittle page in February. She said she did that to add legitimacy to her campaign, to make it easier for people to donate from overseas and to raise money faster to evacuate the father and his daughters. The donate button on her Givealittle page was taken off last week, she said. "They've emailed me back and said they are shutting down Gaza accounts, which is really disappointing." Tuhua said the company told her the reason was because the money they had raised wasn't traceable, which she rejected. "Even though the process to actually get the funds into Gaza is quite complicated due to all the barriers that have been put in place we can still paper-trail it." She said that the cost of living was extrememly high due to resource scarcity . "Twenty-five kilos of flour is NZ$800, so it is a lot of money they need to survive." In an email Givealittle sent to Tuhua, the organisation said that whilst it appreciated her record keeping, it needed to apply consistent criteria across the platform that accounted for factors beyond transaction history. It said that included regulatory considerations, external risk assessments and limitations on independent verification. Givealittle said that it would work to explore whether a partnership with a registered charity could provide a more stable and supported pathway for fundraisers, but Tuhua said that would be "useless" because a larger charity could not get aid into Gaza. She said it would be really useful for organisers like her to be able to use the Givealittle platform. In that same email chain, the organisation said it made the decision to close a small number of pages that no longer aligned with the platform's criteria for safe and traceable fundraising after a review of its Gaza policy. On Tuesday RNZ spoke to Ciara, a New Zealand donor who was told by Givealittle that her page did not meet requirements and could not continue to recieve donations. Givealittle told Ciara in an email, which RNZ's Midday Report has seen, that as a regulated platform under New Zealand's Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime, they "have a duty to go beyond minimum requirements when we assess risk". The platform was worried the funds could be used by someone linked to Hamas, which New Zealand has listed as a terrorist entity . Givealittle said in a statement to Midday Report the decision to update its policy was not taken lightly. "The banking and financial infrastructure in Gaza is now so unstable that we can no longer, with certainty, verify the identity of individual beneficiaries or ensure that funds can be delivered safely and transparently," a spokesperson said. This policy applies only to individual fundraising in Gaza. "Givealittle continues to support pages linked to registered New Zealand charities operating in the region, where funds can be safely distributed through trusted channels. We encourage donors who wish to help to continue giving through these organisations," the spokesperson said. "We appreciate the compassion of those who have created and supported these pages and are committed to ensuring that generosity continues to have an impact." Any payments already due to verified individuals would still be honoured. In a statement to RNZ, Associate Justice Minister Nicole Mckee said businesses and charities set their own policies based on the requirements of the AML/CFT Act and she could not comment on Givealittle's approach. McKee said charities operating overseas have important obligations under the Act to protect themselves and donors from misuse. "These include risks of being misused by individuals or organisations to assist money laundering, support terrorism financing or other criminal activities." She acknowledged it was a difficult situation, particularly where families were involved. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Southland Football going pink
Southland Football is encouraging all players and supporters to think pink and bring the energy this Saturday, as it dedicates a special round to support breast cancer awareness. Each year, Southland Football hosts at least one charity round to support important causes in the community. In the past, charities have included the likes of Hawthorndale Care Village, Koha Kai, the Heart Foundation, and others. This Saturday, it's all about the Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand, and Southland Football is encouraging all players, coaches and supporters to get in behind the cause. Southland Football development officer Leigh Matthews said the intention behind the initiative was simple but powerful: to raise awareness and vital funds for a cause that affects thousands of women and families across Aotearoa and the world. "We want to play our part, not only in supporting the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, but in showing what our football community can do when we rally together," he said. "The inspiration came from my time working with Football South Australia, where each season included a charity round that brought the football community together in a powerful way. I saw firsthand how impactful it was, and I felt it was something special we could bring here to Southland." So far the response from clubs Southland-wide, as well as referees, had been that of real enthusiasm and they were getting set to embrace the special round. "It's also a chance to celebrate women in sport, spotlighting healthy, active role models for our younger generations and helping promote the growth of women's football across the region, Matthews said. "I'm genuinely hopeful that we'll see plenty of pink socks, shirts, beanies and smiles around the grounds this weekend and that this is just the beginning of an annual tradition that gets bigger and more meaningful every year." Pink-themed socks and laces will be for sale on Saturday, alongside a fundraising barbecue, and there is also a raffle and a Givealittle page. Money raised will go towards breast cancer awareness and research. For Football Southland development and operations manager Iain Walker, the cause is particularly close to home, after he lost his wife Fiona to breast cancer earlier this year. "This type of cancer can be the most treatable but sadly often it's not," he said. "I won't be alone in having lost someone near and dear to me. It touches a large number of New Zealanders, as do several other forms of this disease, and therefore we need to keep pushing forward with the endless research that continues to help others. "I'd really encourage everyone to get out enjoy the day, and give what you can afford for a great cause. We have a great football community who support each other in times of need — I know that from experience, and not just my own — so this a great opportunity to keep that momentum going." Anyone who wished to could find Southland Football's fundraising page at — APL
1News
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- 1News
Drag racer's parachute may have contributed to fatal crash — coroner
A Christchurch drag racer died after losing control at almost 250km/h and crashing into a concrete wall at Ruapuna Raceway, but the car's parachute and harness may have contributed to his death. Licensed drag racer Craig Douglas Smith died after crashing his Ford Cortina race car during a practice run in 2021. In findings released on Wednesday morning, Coroner Mary-Anne Borrowdale said the 54-year-old was a highly experienced racer, who had been involved in the sport for 28 years. Smith raced a 1967 blue Ford Cortina sedan with a turbocharged 302 Windsor Ford V8 engine, with a three-speed C4 automatic transmission and a Ford nine-inch differential. He loved the vehicle and worked on it with his brother Shane, the coroner's report said. ADVERTISEMENT Craig Smith's Ford Cortina drag racer. (Source: Givealittle) On the day of the crash in October 2021, Smith had lined up at 10.30am for his first run of the day in good weather conditions in light winds with occasional slightly stronger gusts. He was racing alone against monitored speeds, rather than other racers. His brother Shane told the coroner Smith got a good clean and quick start, and crossed the finish line in 9.059 seconds — his best ever time. His previous best over a quarter mile was 9.13 seconds. Smith deployed his parachute cleanly but, within moments, the Cortina veered to the left, crossed the grass verge and crashed into a concrete wall barrier. At the time of the crash, the vehicle was doing 249 km/h. ADVERTISEMENT Smith was found trapped in the driving cabin, still in his racing harness with severe injuries and no pulse. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, he could not be revived. Evidence from the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association showed the vehicle's parachute was attached lower than usual, but there was no specific requirement for where it should be attached at the time. The positioning of the parachute, combined with cross winds might have contributed to the loss of control, the association said. The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Ozzy Osbourne dies, a worrying find on Rakiura Stewart Island, and new Coke coming. (Source: 1News) It also said Smith's crotch strap, as part of the five-point racing harness, was not routed according to the recommendations, but it was within regulations at the time. His seat did not have a slot for the crotch strap to pass through, so he instead routed it across the front of his seat — a use described by the association as potentially unsafe. The association said "numerous crashes with similar or worse severity have occurred in drag racing over many years and it is the firm view of LVVTA that this crash should have been survivable". ADVERTISEMENT Coroner Borrowdale said the New Zealand Drag Racing Association had already made several changes, including specifying where parachutes should be positioned and seats that could be used. No autopsy was conducted, at the request of the family, so the coroner could not determine if a medical condition was a factor in the crash, but she thought it was improbable. Motor racing was a dangerous sport, although drag racing in New Zealand did not have a poor record for fatalities, Borrowdale said. "Mr Smith understood this and accepted the risks that racing involved. It is very sad that in this case the risks manifested as they did and cost Mr Smith his life."
RNZ News
11 hours ago
- RNZ News
Jet ski tragedy: Vincent Cornell-Cooke died after giving lifejacket to brother
By Hannah Bartlett, Open Justice multimedia journalist of Vincent "Vinnie" Cornell-Cooke, died while saving his brother during a jet ski incident on Lake Taupō. The coroner has released findings into his death. Photo: Open Justice / NZME When Vincent Cornell-Cooke saw his brother struggling to stay afloat after they had fallen off a jet ski, he told him he loved him, and handed him his lifejacket. The 35-year-old's "ultimate sacrifice" saved his brother Bronson's life, but resulted in the loss of his own. As Bronson clung to the one lifejacket they had between them, efforts were made to keep Vincent afloat in the choppy waters of Lake Taupō, but eventually he went under and disappeared. His body was found by a police dive squad seven metres underwater at 3.30pm the next day. After his death, a Givealittle page was set up to raise support for Vincent's wife and children. In it "Vinnie" was remembered as "an amazing and loving husband and father, who poured his heart and soul into his family". "His generosity, courage, and devotion to his family and friends will forever leave a legacy of love and kindness," the page read. Now, a coroner's findings have been released outlining the circumstances of the tragic death, and providing safety recommendations for other jet ski riders. On 18 January 2025, Vincent and his two brothers, Washington and Bronson, arrived in Taupō to celebrate Bronson's 30th birthday. They began celebrations with skydiving, followed by food and drinks at their hotel, before Vincent and Bronson went into town where they had "a significant amount of alcohol", and then caught a taxi back to the hotel. The next day, the three brothers headed to the lake to use Bronson's jet ski, taking it for a spin, one at a time. But about 12.30pm, Vincent and Bronson headed out on the jet ski together, with Vincent driving and wearing the one lifejacket they had between them. Neither of them could swim. As the water became choppier, they were thrown without warning from the jet ski. Vincent's lifejacket was not connected to the emergency safety engine cut-off switch, which meant the jet ski circled before drifting away. Bronson told the coroner the men were "freaking out", and he was struggling to stay afloat. Vincent took off the lifejacket, which Bronson reluctantly took. While Vincent struggled and eventually went under, Bronson managed to signal for help and people on the beach called emergency services. Police rescued Bronson about 1pm. A post-mortem listed Vincent's cause of death as drowning. A toxicology report did not detect any alcohol, but found methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) was present. The pathologist advised that "MDMA is a stimulant that can contribute to impaired judgment, and it may have impacted [Vincent's] ability to safely operate the jet ski". However, the coroner noted the analysis did not indicate when this was ingested or in what quantities. Coroner Ian Telford began his recommendations by acknowledging Vincent's death was tragic. He said the circumstances around it were "profoundly moving - an enduring example of someone making the ultimate sacrifice for their brother". However, he also said that while he didn't wish to add to the family's pain, he had assessed that Vincent's death was "highly preventable". Telford said Vincent's consumption of alcohol and recent ingestion of MDMA may have impaired his condition and judgment, but also noted, "while Vincent may not have been in optimal condition", it appears that the jet ski capsizing was, fundamentally, "an unforeseeable accident". "It could have been caused by random instability of the craft or roughness of the water. There is simply no way to determine the exact cause of the capsizing." The main factors the coroner considered relevant were that Vincent ended up without a lifejacket and couldn't swim; and a cord was not attached to Vincent's wrist or lifejacket, so the engine cut-off switch wasn't activated. "This prevented the brothers from being able to reboard the jet ski, or at least use it to aid their flotation." The coroner said Vincent's chances of survival would have been "considerably higher" had he been wearing a lifejacket and properly using the emergency safety engine cut-off switch on the jet ski. "By bringing this finding to the public's attention, it is hoped that other jet ski users will rediscover the lifesaving value of taking these small safety steps, and also recognise the potentially devastating consequences of neglecting them." Telford also urged people to refer to Maritime New Zealand's website and take note of its advice. Some of the key information he summarised was: This story originally appeared in the New Zealand Herald .
Otago Daily Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Outrage after Givealittle shuts down Gaza fundraising page
New Zealand donors are fighting Givealittle for refunds after their page was shut down over concerns around money laundering in Gaza. More than $3500 is locked in one Givealittle fund, which is destined for what organisers say is a friend to buy formula for babies, after the donation company changed its policy on Gaza. Givealittle has recently updated its policy in response to "operational risks" associated with transferring funds to individuals in Gaza, a spokesperson told Midday Report. As a result, four pages have been closed. One of those pages was a fundraiser set up by Ciara's friend in the United Kingdom to raise money to buy baby formula for families in need in Gaza. Ciara, who wishes to keep her last name anonymous, told Midday Report that when the page was set up, Givealittle said it would be moderated in three days but in the meantime, they could start fundraising. "We just got straight into it and within about six days we had about $3500 fundraised," Ciara said. Givealittle then asked for verification of their contact in Gaza who was getting the formula and distributing it to families. Ciara said they provided Givealittle with their contact's bank account details, written permission for them to fundraise on their contact's behalf and their passport. On July 17, Givealittle emailed to say the page did not meet its requirements and would not be going ahead. "They have said that, in high-risk areas such as Gaza, they don't believe there is evidence of where their funds are going and that they would like [funds] to go through a registered charity instead," Ciara said. "They are leaning on some very tight New Zealand laws on anti-money laundering and countering terrorism regime, which are extremely tight and basically give us no wiggle room. "The thing that really got us was that they changed their policy on donating to individuals in Gaza while our page was receiving funds." Givealittle told Ciara in an email, which Midday Report has seen, that as a regulated platform under New Zealand's Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime, they "have a duty to go beyond minimum requirements when we assess risk". The platform was worried the funds could be used by someone linked to Hamas, which New Zealand has listed as terrorist entity. "While we acknowledge the identity information you have provided for [their contact in Gaza] we note that your relationship with him only began in May of this year and has developed entirely online," the Givealittle email read. "In this context, we are unable to verify the end use of funds with the confidence required under our obligations. The risk of misuse - even where intentions are good - is high, and in such cases, we must err on the side of caution." Now the page has $3573 on hold that the organisers and donors can't access. "We have got many donors waiting, who require explanation on where their money is going," Ciara said. "Furthermore, we've got children, babies and families who are starving in Gaza." She is still waiting on a response from Givealittle to explain what is happening with the funds. "We have just been absolutely beside ourselves. The devastation that's happening is unfathomable," Ciara said. "Here is a way for us to provide some kind of help. Yes, it might just be a drop in the ocean, but it is a tin of formula for a starving baby to get them through that next day. I just think it is absolutely outrageous. It's unforgivable and it's unacceptable." Givealittle said in a statement to Midday Report the decision to update its policy was not taken lightly. "The banking and financial infrastructure in Gaza is now so unstable that we can no longer, with certainty, verify the identity of individual beneficiaries or ensure that funds can be delivered safely and transparently," a spokesperson said. This policy applies to only to individual fundraising in Gaza. "Givealittle continues to support pages linked to registered New Zealand charities operating in the region, where funds can be safely distributed through trusted channels. We encourage donors who wish to help to continue giving through these organisations," the spokesperson said. "We appreciate the compassion of those who have created and supported these pages and are committed to ensuring that generosity continues to have an impact." Any payments already due to verified individuals will still be honoured. It comes after Midday Report reported PayPal was withholding funds donated by New Zealanders for families in Gaza. On Wednesday, Paypal confirmed that account had been re-opened.
