Passionate angler Brent Knowles died in Friday night's floods in Ōtorohanga. Ōtorohanga District Mayor Rodney Dow today activated the Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund, aimed at helping individuals, families, small businesses, community organisations and marae facing hardship after the flooding event. As the district grapples with the loss, local leaders say the tragedy has shaken the tight-knit community. The fund can receive contributions from the council, businesses, community groups and members of the public, with donations able to be made to the Ōtorohanga District Council – Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund (account number: 02-0392-0018241-003). He previously worked as a journalist in Canada for Black Press Media and won a fellowship with the Vancouver Sun.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 15, 2026 00:10 UTC