As Cyclone Gabrielle made its way towards Auckland, we went to our local sand lot in Mangere to get ourselves sandbags to protect our home.

What set out to be a short trip just to load up for ourselves ended up being a whole day spent there. Daniel Taione and his friend Julius Fisiifetau and another friend of theirs from De La Salle College took it upon themselves to start helping out people from the community, especially the elderly that were there alone with no help.

They helped fill many many bags and lift and carry the heavy bags to cars. I was so proud of the boys and their selflessness to stay and help those who needed it. It was heartwarming to see so much kindness from all those around in such a difficult time.  

Written by one of our Year 9 mothers