How a Fisher gig turned into fundraising event for Mt Maunganui landslip tragedy

A whopping 25,000 people went to the Australian DJ megastar’s show only streets away from where a devastating landslip on a Tauranga campsite took the lives of six people.

Stormy weather forced Northland, the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne into a local state of emergency in mid-January. Several landslides closed State Highways and flooded people’s homes.

The decision to still hold the concert scheduled at the end of January riled a few Kiwis in the days leading up to the event.

Paul Fisher, better known by his DJ title FISHER, posted on Instagram promoting his newest release titled 'Rain' a few days before the concert. Naturally, some people in the comments drew parallels between recent weather and the lyrics.

“Eek," one commenter wrote. "Rain seems a bit of a controversial topic at Mt Maunganui at the moment! So sad so many people are still missing in Tauranga. I know you are playing there shortly.”

Another added: “Fish, you’ll have to do something special mate, Mt Maunganui suffered a huge tragedy this morning!!! Sending hope, love and prayers to all our Mount family during this hard time!!🤞🙏💜”

But he and his team were way ahead of commenters.

Trademark Live’s event organiser, Toby Burrows told rova that commemorating the victims was first on their agenda. 

“For us, we just straight away wanted to do what we could do to help,” he said. “We’ve just been working through with the council about the most appropriate way to able to do that.”

Both a fundraiser to support the families affected and a minute of silence was organised.

I don’t even have the words… It was just super important for us we felt, and for everyone who's here, our staff and everyone coming to the event as well. Everyone wants to do their bit to recognise what’s happened.

Burrows himself and the rest of the team were hit hard by the loss.

“We live here and some of us are down at the Mount daily, it’s a big part of living in this city. And we know people who were involved in the rescue efforts… It’s just moved everyone really.”

He adds that an event like this after a tragedy often can do more good for a grieving community. 

“Having something where people can come together and be with their friends is important right now,” he explained, hoping to give locals and tourists alike much needed refuge.

Following the weekend, Burrows told rova that the event was “phenomenal”, with Trademark Live having raised more than $20,000 so far for the families affected by the slip.

Images photographed by ADM Photography.