Update Oct 12

Folks, the media are reporting on a dishonesty conviction that Hineawe received in the 1990s.

Comments were posted here during and shortly after the appeal was run that referenced Hineawe’s past. I had no way to verify these comments. I was first made aware of her conviction 9 days ago, and Hineawe confirmed that to me via text message shortly after that.

Let me be clear: there is no evidence of any fraud in this case. To the best of my knowledge, your donations went to a genuine cause. In her first contact with me, Hineawe volunteered to repay donors if she can (see below), and she subsequently gave me permission to say this publicly. This gives me confidence in her integrity.

My responsibility is to donors. It is not to defend Hineawe. I am a donor myself, as are my friends and family. Like all donors, we want to see our funds go to a genuine cause. I am confident this has occurred.

Some will hold the view that a person with a conviction is unworthy of charity. I disagree, and I would have set up the appeal and donated even if I had known Hineawe’s past. She has made a mistake, she has been through the courts and, to my knowledge, paid her dues to society. I am not discounting the hurt caused by her actions all those years ago, as comments on this page make clear, but at some point I believe you deserve a second chance. After 14 years I believe that second chance is past due.

If I am wrong, if this is a scam, then I will personally repay all donors. If I have been misled, and if I have misled donors as a result, I will return your money.

However, it is worth repeating: there is no evidence of any deception in this instance.

Please register

In her first communication to me, Hineawe volunteered the following offer: "be assured I will endeavor to pay back every cent that has been given, even if it goes to a charity, I am just blown away."

If you donated money, please email me with a) the exact amount you donated, and b) the name that would have appeared on my statement. If I can’t find you I will come back to you. I will keep your contact details on record, and contact you if a refund becomes available.

Your identity will be kept private.

Update Monday 8 Oct

Hi everyone, sorry for the extended delay in posting. I am pleased to report most funds were transferred to the Rangis on 28 September. It took until 27 September to finally make contact with Hineawe and Everitt - a combination of bad phone sim cards and bad email addresses and foreign credit cards that NZ banks can't credit money to. I am still waiting for one pledge of $200 to come in, plus I will be passing on to the Rangis the $250 fee Western Union charged for wiring the money (not cheap eh!). There’s also about $2 of interest which will also be heading over to the Rangis. I am preparing accounts which anyone can ask for. I will finalise them once I am back in New Zealand at the end of October.

My communications with the Rangis have been largely confined to text messages, which naturally limit the amount of information that gets passed, but as far as I can tell they are having a great time in France. I received a text from them last week from a “bull running”. I’m not sure what that is, but it sounds fun. I haven’t been able to talk to them directly, a combination of their phone credit running out and my phone credit running out.

Hineawe is extremely grateful for your help. I quote from her emails to me: “I am just blown away… thanks more then you know.”

I will let you know of any developments as they occur. I hope to meet up with Hineawe and Everitt next week.

ps about the rugby: gutted, absolutely gutted.

Update 5:15pm Wednesday 26 Sept

Hi everyone, a lot has happened since the last update. The payment details I received last week didn't work: the credit card number I received and to which the funds were to be posted, was not recognised by either Westpac (the owners of the card, I am told!) or BNZ, who you may recall were kindly assisting the Rangis. Since then, daily emails, phone calls and text messages have been sent to the Rangis and TV3 attempting to obtain wiring instructions. Today I made contact with Hineawe. She texted me and reported that the sim card they had in France was playing up. They have a new one now so, to everyone's great relief (especially mine!), it should be possible to get funds to France shortly, possibly tomorrow. Complicating all this is the fact that I am overseas at the moment, which adds a layer of complexity. I can honestly say I've been doing absolutely everything I can to make contact - it has finally happened now that the technology is sorted. I'll post another update once the funds have been sent.

Update 1:30pm Thursday

After an unbearable delay, and much prodding of various people (sorry folks!) at about 4:30pm yesterday I was finally given information I need to transmit funds to the Rangi family in France. I will be making a payment onto Hineawe's new credit card using your donations this afternoon. This will give her access to the funds for their trip. More than one payment will occur because not all funds have come in just yet.

On Sunday, 16 September, the media reported on a Tauranga family's World Cup trip of a lifetime had been ruined by some very bad luck (see the videos here and here).

Hineawe and Everitt Rangi arrived in Paris to find that the campervan they had paid $11,000 for didn’t exist. They had been ripped off.

Without their accommodation for the next five weeks, the Rangis were forced to borrow a tent and camp out for the night.

Having lost their campervan, the Rangis went sight-seeing in Paris and left their bag on one of those sight-seeing buses for a few minutes. When they realised and jumped back on board to get it, it had been taken -- with all their credit cards, money and match-tickets to the All Blacks' pool games.

On Sunday, TV3 reported that the Rangis were facing an early return to New Zealand, their trip of a lifetime in tatters.

We are collecting donations to give back the Rangis the trip that was years in the making and taken from them in only a couple of days of bad luck.

Our goal is to raise the $6,500 they need to hire a campervan and see the remaining All Blacks matches. This is money to help them with living expenses over the next five weeks. Telecom, Heineken and Bank of New Zealand are providing a campervan and match tickets for the Rangi family. Great news, but the Rangis still need our help.

Please donate. Every dollar that you donate via direct debit, cash or cheque will be given to the Rangis and help give back what they have lost. Depending on Hineawe and Everitt's finances we will be wiring your donations to them daily or as often as they need to enjoy their holiday.

    

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Thanks to your amazing generosity, the Rangi family has their dream back. We crossed the $6,500 target at about 8:00pm tonight. Bank account details have been removed now that no further donations are needed. Some donations made today will not appear in the donation account until tomorrow, so we will go a little further past the target in all likelihood. I will let you know the grand total when it is available. Absolutely all funds will be passed to the Rangi family.

I just saw the Rangis on Campbell Live - they come across as the nicest, most down-to-earth and genuine people. Kiwis, you've done a great thing here. Thank you all so much.

I will update this page on progress in getting funds to the Rangis, and any messages from them to the amazing people who have contributed here.

Thank you all so much - Matt

Contact Details

If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to contact me:

Matt Burgess, phone 021 488 268 (or if that doesn't work 0274 364 398), or email mattb02 at gmail dot com

I am keeping records of all transactions and welcome your inquiries.

Progress Update

Latest progress on donations, updated 1:30pm Thursday:

FAQ

Q: What is your target for donations?
A: $6,500.

Q: Why $6,500?
A: This covers $180 per day for food, gas, and expenses. TV3 is reporting that Telecom, Heineken, and Bank of New Zealand are providing campervan and match tickets for the Rangis. They deserve a huge thanks for their help.

Q: What happened to the original target of $12,000?
A: TV3 reported that corporates had helped set up the Rangis with a campervan and match tickets, so we have scaled down the target accordingly.

Q: What if you receive more donations than that?
A: We will stop accepting donations when we reach our target. All money will be passed to the Hineawe and Everitt, and it will be up to them to decide what to do with any excess.

Q: How can I be sure the money will reach the Rangis?
A: I will be keeping records of all donations received and all money wired to the Rangis. I am happy for anybody to examine all of these records, with the only constraint being that any information that may identify the donor will be hidden (Privacy Act).

Q: Will you deduct fees for wiring money?
A: I will pay any fixed fees for wiring money. I will shop around for the best exchange rate. There may be margins (probably 1%-2%) incorporated in these exchange rates which I won’t be able to cover.

Q: Do you know the Rangis?
A: No, never met them. I saw them for the first time on TV3 on Sunday. They seem like very nice people.

Q: Why are you doing this?
A: I was really moved by the fact that after some incredibly bad luck and after losing the trip of a lifetime, Hineawe and Everitt still had smiles on their faces, even when watching a rugby game they were supposed to be at. Now that is some passion for the game, and that’s something I can relate to! I just felt that it would be so easy to give back to them what has been taken, and if I was in their shoes it would mean so much to me if somebody did that.

Q: Do you believe in Karma?
A: No. But I've been wrong before.

Images on this page are provided courtesy of TV3.

Thank you so much for your donation!!

Your Comments

Comment By Piata on Monday, 17 September 20:28: "Hi Matt What an awesome thing you are doing for this whanau.I dont have much money but I just had to help them realize their dream(and the fact that they are from my hometown Tauranga).I'm a strong believer in Karma so I hope that your generous and selfless act will be returned to you tenfold. Piata"

Comment By Helen on Monday, 17 September 20:30: "Hi Matt - thank you for taking the initiative and setting this site up. I saw the clip on telly last night and really wanted to do something for them. I'll be donating some money tomorrow :) "

Comment By Daniel Herbert on Monday, 17 September 20:34: "If you can get hold of Sam Rangi can you please get him to contact me at blubba_head at hotmail dot com or (07)5716211 Hes a old mate of mine, from greerton villege school in well greerton, and havnt talked to him in a while."

Comment By Matt Burgess on Monday, 17 September 20:55: "Hi Helen and Piata, thanks very much for your kind words. I will look forward to your donations. If all goes well I will be wiring your funds to France tomorrow."

Comment By The Bennetts on Monday, 17 September 21:22: "Dear Rangi family, please accept our small donation - we hope you have the best holiday ever. To all others thinking of donating, please do so and post your comment here - I'm sure Matt will be able to give the Rangi's a printout of all our comments, which they can use as a momento of thier trip of a lifetime."

Comment By Matt Burgess on Monday, 17 September 21:38: "Thank you so much The Bennetts: great idea, by the way, to pass these comments onto the Rangis if and when I do get to meet them. I'll definitely be taking a printout."

Comment By Brent and Anna Sutcliffe on Monday, 17 September 22:00: "Dear Rangi Family, we were so sad to hear of all your misfortunes, and would be honoured to help you have the holiday you all wanted. Hope it exceeded all your dreams. Take Care"

Comment By Tania on Monday, 17 September 22:03: "Wishing you all the best Matt, I'm rapt that this families dream is going to come true no matter what! Arohanui to the Rangi whanau and to you Matt :)"

Comment By laura on Monday, 17 September 22:10: "To the absolutely wonderful Matt Burgess. My sister found out about you just before she walked onto campbell live and asked me to say a huge thank you. I can't believe that you and all those lovely awesome people out there really exist. There really is a light at the end of that tunnel. thanks to all Oldest daughter "

Comment By Bonaru on Monday, 17 September 22:50: "Hey i love the way they represented NZ strong no matter how upset they were, stuck to respect i saw the mana they had... by leaving their shoes outside the door... cna i donate at a bank?"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Monday, 17 September 22:53: "Hi Bonaru, yes you can donate at a bank. All you have to do is take the bank account details listed above, and the bank will do the rest.
Laura, thank you for your lovely comments. I really hope to meet you and your family one day. "

Comment By LATS on Monday, 17 September 22:57: "Matt Burgess, you are a good man. I do believe in karma and now I believe in you too. To the Rangi Family, much love and stay happy. I hope our small gift will help from LATS, RAS & OATS xxx"

Comment By Cynthia Toto on Monday, 17 September 23:18: "Hey Matt i'm a great believer in the saying "what goes around comes around" and i believe it'll come your way when you need it most keep up the good work..a big hola to the companies that also helped the Rangi's"

Comment By Wayne on Tuesday, 18 September 00:43: "Hi Matt, $500 winging its way to your account from the management and staff of Phoenix Building Limited, your #1 advertiser. Cheers and well done. Wayne and the team @ Phoenix."

Comment By rob on Tuesday, 18 September 02:41: "Kia Ora Matt Burgess....well you are an awesome man my friend, it is wonderful to see people with hearts as big as yours still exsist in society today you are a living ANGEL for the Rangi Whanau....my wife and I will be making a donation ASAP......I my self beleive in the saying "what go's around come's around" my your's come in bucket loads.......your parents can hold their heads high for they have done an awesome job on raising a brilliant young man.....Kia Ora to the Rangi Whanau........and all the AROHA in the world to the Burgess..... :)"

Comment By Kaz on Tuesday, 18 September 07:04: "Brilliant, Matt, well done. After all the doom and gloom on the news recently it's great to have a story like this. And to the tosser who wrote to TV3 and said the Rangis got what they deserved because they booked their trip on-line, what century does that person live in??? Pacific Blue, for example, ONLY sell tickets on-line. Cheers dude, Kaz."

Comment By Delaney Mafile'o on Tuesday, 18 September 09:06: "Not only are you motivated to have a positive influence in a strangers life - but you also do it with an understanding that modern markets and modern technologies are in fact foreign to a great many people. Anyone blaming the Rangi's for their predicament is ignorant and cynical. What an inspiration you are!"

Comment By Catherine on Tuesday, 18 September 09:23: "Well done Matt, I'm pleased to see New Zealanders can still support one another when in need, and what goes around does come around. The Rangi's will pay it forward in time. Enjoy the trip!"

Comment By senorita on Tuesday, 18 September 09:58: "I'm so happy for the Rangi family - how fabulos!! Today I will go to the bank with a smile on my face, make my humble donation, and think one day soon the Rangi family could be sitting at a game and have an ice-cream on me :) MATT YOUR WONDERFUL!!"

Comment By Paula.T. on Tuesday, 18 September 10:06: "First and foremost I would like to thank the lord for blessing us everyday and for watching over the Rangi family and keeping them warm..AMEN!!..God bless you too Matt for organising this and like most NZers money doesn't grow on trees for me but to at least donate some funds can make my day & somebody elses. What struck me about the Rangi family is that they still managed to put a smile on their face & wish the All Blacks luck despite their share of bad luck..With all the generosity that NZers are showing proves how proud I am to be a "Kiwi" and like most say "what goes around, comes around" so I hope those idiots who did them wrong get a good donk on the head coz they deserve it & to the Rangi Fam, enjoy the trip & party hard!!"

Comment By Rangimarie on Tuesday, 18 September 10:11: "Hey Matt, what an awesome human being you are. Thank you for your wonderful gesture here and we hope the Rangi whanau have an even more wonderful trip. They deserve it, Thank god for wonderful people like you Matt. Arohanui to the Rangi whanau from us here in Brisbane, donation on it's way."

Comment By Taiahas Mum :) on Tuesday, 18 September 10:30: "Well done and you're a star buddy. I'll transfer a koha later on today :)"

Comment By Wal Come on Tuesday, 18 September 10:48: "Isn't the Rangi's mormon's? maybe the latterday saint church can help them."

Comment By Matt Burgess on Tuesday, 18 September 10:51: "Hi everybody, thank you all so much for your donations and your kind words. I will be passing all your best wishes to the Rangis, as well as your generous donations. Thank you so much for your generosity, your help is making a difference."

Comment By Rawinia Rangi on Tuesday, 18 September 11:09: "Who's the Man????MATT BURGESS IS!!!!Thank u so much Matt!My names Rawinia Rangi im Everitts Oldest daughter,im glad there are alot of other people out there that are as generous and loving as my dad and mum.U are sent from Heaven and i am so grateful for what u have done to help Dad and Mum relive there Dream,especially when we ALL thought it was Over!!!I would love to meet u and give u the biggest HUG in the world!!Also to ALL u beautiful wonderful generous people out there thank u for ur kind donations!!!!xxxxxx"

Comment By Jason on Tuesday, 18 September 11:14: "Hi Matt... It was Only 1 year ago that I was stuck and stranded after being robbed in San Sebastian and stuck waiting for a flight out of Paris, and Had to sleep under the Eiffiel Tower in Paris.. Bad Times then but GREAT TIMES to remember now... Awesome what you are doing for the family and Wish them All the Best on there Great Trip.. Keep DONATING..."

Comment By michele McD on Tuesday, 18 September 11:38: "well done u truly are a star. Thank god my friends can carry on with there dream trip. my daughter is in tarawa's class and the class are saddened from hearing the sad news that they were ripped off big time. wat lovely people there is out there. love to u and the Rangi Whanau from Michele McD and children. xxxwell done to u ."

Comment By Trissy R on Tuesday, 18 September 11:59: "Thank you Matt for your wonderful initiative in starting up this fund. We were so saddened when we heard of the Rangi's plight. You're a darlin' and will get back triple for this"

Comment By Anthony Riley on Tuesday, 18 September 12:12: "Go Tarawa - enjoy your trip. Your pj's were cool man! Have a great trip, can't wait to hear all about it when you get back. Ant and the rest of the Blue Rover boys."

Comment By Gareth on Tuesday, 18 September 12:21: "Who the hell pays $11,000 up front for a campervan? And have the Rangis never heard of travel insurance? "

Comment By Andrew B on Tuesday, 18 September 12:26: "Good one Matt - thrilling to see the total hit the target so quickly. Congratulations to everyone who made it happen."

Comment By Angela Angell on Tuesday, 18 September 12:40: "Hey Matt,awesome what you have done,I'm a close family friend & had been telling everyone about their once in a lifetime trip then to find out what happened to them was shocking. This family really do deserve the help that all you awesome people are giving... & hey come on all you's wanting to say negative stuff I think thats not really called for at a time like this"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Tuesday, 18 September 12:56: "Hi everyone, your generosity is overwhelming and we have almost reached our target. Just $180 to go. Again, thank you thank you thank you for your generosity."

Comment By Ronnie on Tuesday, 18 September 13:38: "Tumeke Matt - It's just so heartening to see that there are so many compassionate people in NZ who really care about others. Everitt, Hineawe and Tarawa make you feel proud to be Maori, as against all odds they continue to keep smiling, even as they were crawling out of the tent in the middle of the night to the wonderful news about the World Cup sponsors who are providing a campervan for them. I definitely will be contributing to the fund and just want to end by saying "Kia Ora Everitt, Hineawe and Tarawa - Have an awesome time in France and bring home the WORLD CUP with our All Blacks when you return home" Arohanui Ronnie"

Comment By Ron on Tuesday, 18 September 13:57: "Matt, if you're able to I suggest you take out negative comments like the one from Gareth, as we don't need negativity on this site and it's sad to see that there are still people in NZ who don't have a heart. Just remember Gareth the Rangi family weren't complaining and were well prepared to shorten their trip of a lifetime if not for the generosity of the sponsors and generous NZ'ers. It's such a pity that you feel the need to put such a real damper on such a wonderful heart rendering story and it's people like you that makes other NZ'ers like me ashamed."

Comment By Lance Kamau on Tuesday, 18 September 13:59: "We don't have a lot of money but I'm sure that even our $10 is better than nothing, enjoy your trip. The Kamau's"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Tuesday, 18 September 14:13: "Hi Ron, I thought about deleting any negative postings, but I think I'll leave them in. This is a completely uncensored list at the moment and so it represents the true number of good and bad comments received. As you can see, its hugely positive, and I like to think that shows only a small number of Kiwis think like Gareth."

Comment By Emma B on Tuesday, 18 September 14:27: "Hey Matt, a great thing for you to do! I do not have a bundle of money but I think my doantion is better then nothing, and I would hope someone would do it for me =)"

Comment By Belinda on Tuesday, 18 September 15:23: "Have you reached the target?? I would love to help out if you still need. Good on You!!"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Tuesday, 18 September 16:12: "Hi Belinda, no, haven't quite reached our target. Your help on the last few dollars would be much appreciated!"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Tuesday, 18 September 16:13: "I have deleted one comment."

Comment By Laura on Tuesday, 18 September 16:31: "Hey matt laura here again. If you could possibly forward the comment you deleted message it would be quite good. My email is loralee_20@hotmail.com. Don't really want to ask but in our family we believe in the right to have our opinions and the freedom to say what we are thinking. Thank you matt oldest daughter"

Comment By O'Connor family on Tuesday, 18 September 17:32: "What a bad run, with with a positive turn out - it was so cool seeing your families surprised faces when you got out of the tent. I'm sure our small donation counts! enjoy!!!"

Comment By Ed on Tuesday, 18 September 17:53: "Great job Matt, you make me feel proud to be a kiwi. Hopefully the small amount I donated can come in useful. And for those negative posters out there just think of the Rangis as ambassadors of New Zealand representing the typical kiwi family. I'd rather give my money for them to see the world cup than some politicians whose travel budget would have been twice as much!"

Comment By Dan & SJ on Tuesday, 18 September 18:52: "Great to see that you have actually done what a lot of people would say that they would love to do, Well done, Donation on it's way! Rangi's have an awesome time....PS loved the call...."not many Maroi's get to go to Europe." Classic!"

Comment By john walker on Tuesday, 18 September 19:12: "I Acknowledge the wonderful care you have shown for this lovely family, and I too would love to see this family truly enjoy their time following our All Blacks and better memorable moments. My prayers are for a safe and enjoyable holiday till they return, and a special thank you and blessing to the wonderful person who reached his hand of compasion out this far. May God Bless You All."

Comment By Hutchings Family on Tuesday, 18 September 19:14: "Hope our family's small donation helps to make the Rangi's trip fantastic again. Every cloud has a silver lining - fancy being able to meet the all blacks - Go Rangi's! Thanks Matt for setting this up - great idea."

Comment By Manuel-Morgan whanau on Tuesday, 18 September 19:29: "Kia ora Matt Tenei te mihi ki a koe mo to tautoko ki te whanau Rangi. Thank you so much for your support of the Rangi whanau. We're in Vancouver and have only just seen the video footage online. Ka aroha to the Rangi whanau for their initial bad luck and aroha to you for your kindness! Donation is on it's way."

Comment By Wayne on Tuesday, 18 September 19:43: "Hi Matt, Will another $200 from the Team at Phoenix Building sort out the target??? All the best mate"

Comment By Maree Nicholson and her gang on Tuesday, 18 September 21:50: "Many trillions of thanks to you Matt. Hineawe is my friend we have been through thick and thin a truely awesome lady and Everitt is her rock and her children are her life (next is rugby of course lol). I remember the plans posters and atlases on the walls of her bedroom when she was most sick and the dream was her goal. Thank you to you Matt for starting this and thank you to the folk out there who have donated. Blessings to you all. And to my friend Hineawe GO GIRL, have truck loads of fun and I'm back home waiting to hear all about it. Hopefully this message gets passed on. Once again, and I cant say it enough thanks to all."

Comment By Concerned Citizen on Tuesday, 18 September 22:49: "Good on you Matt,but how does the public know if you are ligit? With all these donations to help this whanau, could there be something in it for you? 'What goes around does come around'"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Tuesday, 18 September 23:20: "Concerned Citizen, thanks for your question. It is important that these donations be above board and seen to be so. I have asked a manager at my bank to oversee all transactions on the donations account and to check and sign off that all money coming in and all outgoings can be accounted for. Second, all financial records will be made available to anyone who would like to see them, subject only to Privacy Act constraints so that donor's identities cannot be revealed. Third, I will be keeping receipts of all money wired to France, and the combined value of these receipts will correspond exactly with the donations received, and these records will be available for anyone to examine. Any fees for wiring money will be paid by me, and I will keep records of those payments as well."

Comment By mitzi4lyfe on Wednesday, 19 September 04:17: "Kia ora Matt, you have done a very good thing here for this family and you will be blessed for your good works, all the negative feedback doesnt matter when it comes down to it. Reaching your target for the donationss in only a short time just shows how compassionate our nation can be and that is good to know. Im sure the Rangi family will be eternally grateful for what you have done for them. Good on ya mate."

Comment By yolo1 on Wednesday, 19 September 12:29: "Good on you Matt for setting this up and to all the people who have contributed. It is heartwarming to see. To the Rangi's - It's all taken care of, now you just need to enjoy it!!"

Comment By Gareth on Thursday, 20 September 08:06: "Dear Ron, I do have a heart. But I also have a brain, and are my comments not valid? Good on you for donating Ron, and all others too. But how many people are starving in Africa? The Rugby World Cup is Awesome, but the media made it sound like it was the end of the world because one family was going to miss it, meanwhile there are much bigger problems in the world waiting for you to throw money at."

Comment By Rawinia Rangi on Thursday, 20 September 09:40: "Dear Gareth..I just want to make a comment on u speaking about starving people in Africa. I just want to let u know that my sister Laura and my Step Mum Hineawe have two children from Zambia that they sponsor in Africa. For 2years going on 3years now. Also Save the children (Asisn Community) Laura is part of!!!!!My family would give their life for another family member,we do realise that their are much bigger problems in the world that we can put our money towards AND we do!!!!Thats just it,u have no idea m8!!!Hineawe is the most loving,kind,motherly person i have eva meet,and ther is nobody i can think of that deserves this more than Mum!!!"

Comment By Dee on Thursday, 20 September 11:28: "Rawinia you go girl!!! Gareth perhaps you should keep your comments to yourself unless you know the full story. Theres egg on you face fulla. I wonder how many charities you donate to every year, or how many meals you put in front of starving Africans with the donations you make?. There is not a single person in the world that doesnt need a little help every now and again, and just maybe the people that have donated to this cause really just wanted to help a fellow kiwi family out because they could. Id put money on the fact that every single one of them drops a gold coin in a bucket everytime a charity knocks at there door. Who are you to say where they can and cannot spend there money, in the words of the TV show TARGET "shame on you""

Comment By Not happy on Thursday, 20 September 14:05: "It amazes me how we as New Zealanders take almost everything we hear at face value, we believe stories like this without question. We as New Zealanders are the ones ripped off here, not the Rangis..These people have a history of this sort of Con Job. Being in Tauranga and knowing their history and the rips offs she has herself done leaves me to not believe a word they say. It makes myself and a lot of people that knew her very angry that they have got away with this."

Comment By Opinionated on Thursday, 20 September 14:23: "Not happy , you should go back and read your own story, how do we know you are telling the truth. Are we to believe you simply because you are from their area, come on now, I think you need to give the people of New Zealand a little more credit than that. I see a touch of the green eyed monster in your comment. It is a shame you cannot see the good that has come from this situation, being that we live in the most amazing country in the world,were people are whiling to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and go the extra mile for those among us that may be in need. I'm sorry you feel the way you do, it must be terribly hard being that bitter. Dont you think if this was a con, we as extraordinary kiwis would be able to sniff it out. I can imagine the publc of New Zealand would be mighty annoyed if they found out this was simply a "Con job" as you so aptly put it."

Comment By Maree Nicholson Tauranga on Thursday, 20 September 15:01: ""Not Happy" I am sure that we all have people in our lives that we have "pissed off" of that have done the same to us we all do our best at any given time and none of us are perfect. I happen to know a lot of this family's history and know of the good and bad the other suffering not mentioned throughout their lives so unless you are brave enough to use your real name like the rest of us I suggest you put the envy moster away."

Comment By Not Happy on Thursday, 20 September 15:18: "Opininated, I wouldn't have written a comment in here had I not seen this sort of thing before from them. "I think you need to give the people of New Zealand a little more credit than that"..Sure people get ripped off all the time because they believe what they are told, It's the same as religion. is that being a New Zealander (Sucker Zealander)"

Comment By Miss Happy feet on Thursday, 20 September 15:21: "Not Happy!Ur name says it all..r u one of them poor me people?Who are you relating the bit "She" too???The onli person i can see saying an accusation like that wud be sum1 form the vale!They may not be bright as sum1 mentioned on tv,but thea not stupid in making up alot of hogwash,put urself in sum1 elses shoes maybe then url learn sumthing worth while to say!!!!"

Comment By A little happier on Thursday, 20 September 15:40: "If you can't write in english instead of the crap you just wrote then don't bother responding."

Comment By Gods Child on Thursday, 20 September 15:57: "People people lets all join hands and give thanx for this wonderful day on this god forsaken earth...The target has been reached and whateva is left over i reakon should go to Matt,since he was the one who set this all up for the wonderful Rangi family!!Go the The Mighty All Black"

Comment By Opininated on Thursday, 20 September 15:59: "Not Happy, whats heck has religion got to do with this? Nothing, this is about the kindness people have shown towards a family, who to all accounts and purposes are genuine, and that "crap" is how people communicate now days, there have been whole dictionarys and documents writen explaining the new language, perhaps you should invest in one, keep up with the times as they say. People get ripped off because we as a nation are a trusting nation, we never go out wanting to get ripped of, but dont you think if this family were a bunch of cons like you are saying, more people would be speaking up, I think you have a really bad case of sour grapes. If you are so sure that this family are all just cons artists, how about you back your claims up, ill even find the number for campbell live if you want. Dont spread rumours unless you have proof, history will tell us this is how wars are started. So now weve spoken about religion and War anyone want to start on politics LOL (Not happy LOL means Laugh out loud)"

Comment By A little happier on Thursday, 20 September 16:05: "People with intelligence question and analyze things before coming to a decision, Unintellegent believe everything they are told and will usually become religious. Can we please start a donation for all the people ripped off in this country by other new zealanders"

Comment By A little happier on Thursday, 20 September 16:08: "Opininated...The orginization the was ripped of by this family has already informed TV3 and other respected media of this Family."

Comment By A Little Peeved on Thursday, 20 September 16:26: "For the general public to believe such a bogus story is absolute rubbish. How can a couple who have taken many a person for a ride (and their money) accept the kind donations from the general public of New Zealand. Matt I think you are doing a wonderful thing BUT clearly for the wrong people - maybe the excess donations could repay all the people they have ripped off. A sane person would not put up $11,000 online for a campervan and if they did and lost that sort of money they wouldn't say oh well we'll have to go home, there would be plenty an investigation, I personally wouldn't stop until something was done. Please NZ open your eyes and see this for what it is really - A BIG SCAM by a couple who has done this before."

Comment By Matt Burgess on Thursday, 20 September 18:03: "Folks, none of us is perfect, all of us have made mistakes. I don't know the history of the Rangi family, and I honestly don't think it matters. Only the deepest cynic would question the plight they found themselves in in Paris. Who could possibly have anticipated the extraordinary reaction that followed? Whatever has happened in the past is gone. Please, let in a little optimism."

Comment By Mike - Auckland on Thursday, 20 September 18:05: "Oh FFS, why do all the "Inspector Gadjet's" bother coming on to this donations page to bitch and moan and whinge about "better causes" to "throw money at", or about their creeping suspicions of some elaborate con? Well pat yourself on the back Poirot, but wouldn't your time be better spent on the CCF website donating to these "better causes"? It's great to know that so many of you have taken it upon yourelves to become personal financial advisors to the rest of NZ, but I think you may be better served doing something constructive. Like perhaps, getting a clue."

Comment By Courtney James on Thursday, 20 September 18:35: "hi not happy or hu eva u are...do you no me? im courtney, hineawes daughter, can i talk to you, i dont no wat u no but id definately like to find out, my email address is lilcapone18_@hotmail.com. And thank you everyone for helping out, you guys are the best ever!!!"

Comment By Maree Nicholson on Thursday, 20 September 21:53: "If you cant say anything nice say nothing an old saying but a goodie. This happened for a reason the giving is an upliftment to the giver and the reciever so once agin thank you Matt for allowing true faith to show through"

Comment By LAURA MIHAERE Oldest daughter or Hineawe Rangi on Thursday, 20 September 23:04: "Hi there, i don't know if i'm the last person in the world to be writing but i think some things need to be set straight. All those people out there who have donated and left great uplifting comments, i thank you as does our family. All those who have negative comments, good on you for having your say. All those who are downright accusing my mother of ripping people off or being a 'con artist' let me tell you, i'ts a pretty well known fact that when people believe what they themselves are saying, they don't hide behind clever net names. They learn their facts, they are not biased and they SHOULD never revert to name calling or pettiness. To the person so sure that NZ is being conned, i am terribly sorry for how you feel but i am afraid that i have known my mother for 24 years and to this day i can say, i have never seen anything to make me believe she is a "con". I have younger sisters and brothers aged between 8 and 17 and two older then me. I am not worried about us older ones but can all you sharp tongues out there please bear in mind that these 'kids' are reading these comments and hearing untrue stories about their mother/stepmother. How do you think they are feeling?? Once again, thank you to all those kiwis out there who maybe didn't have money to give but wished them luck anyway and to those that could help Matt help my parents. This is a time where i hope in the future, i can give my little bit as selflessly as you all have. Any way i could type all night but i'll leave it here with the old tried and true family motto "How would you feel in his shoes?""

Comment By Opinionated on Friday, 21 September 09:23: "Not Happy, you do realise you have just called over 50% of all New Zealanders and the rest of the world unintelligent, nice going, way to insult most of the generous people who come to the aid of the people you feel are all getting ripped off. I'm not a religious person but from what I can see, people like the Samaritans do a fantastic job in our community. You are entitled to your opinions Not Happy but don't insult intelligent caring people who do a lot of good, with those opinions, its just not Kiwi. I hope the Rangi family have the time of there lives. Kia Kaha Opinionated over and out.!!!"

Comment By A little happier on Friday, 21 September 09:49: "Hmm, maybe if someone knew of the website Hineawe used to supposidly pay the $11,000 to, we could as new zealanders try and investigate this instead of saying, as we do, oh well she'll be right i'ts only $11,000 dollars. Maybe the supposed moneys could be recovered. I would suggest that someone in the Family could post a copy of the receipt and website, it may provide information that could be valuable on helping recover this money. Afterall we should all learn by this and be more aware of overseas ripoff artists. We don't want this to happen to anyone else do we."

Comment By Oldest Daughter on Friday, 21 September 10:13: "A little happier, Thanks again for your stability. We can sure count on you for negativity. Now that you have mentioned being a sherlock homes i am sorry to tell you that the police and reporters have all the information they are looking for and they will find it. lots of love and i am really sorry matt burgess for ruining your page. i feel like im back in the primary school playground. If you would like to continue this debate, i would be more then happy too but i think not on this page. loralee_20@hotmail.com"

Comment By Maree Nicholson positive Kiwi on Saturday, 22 September 11:04: "It would seem 'Not Happy" became "A little happier" because she did what she always does and has done in the past by slanging this family and downing other more happy kiwis. Let the good outway the bad and prevail we all know we have contubuted in a posyitive way can "Not happy/a little happier" say the same? I think not! Let the negativity end now. Go the All Blacks bring home the Cup."

Comment By Terry on Sunday, 23 September 09:17: "I am soooo angry at TV3 and especially Rachel Smalley for dragging the Rangis out of bed at 5:00am to 'break the amazing news"... What aload of ratings driven crap. To drag them out of their small tent, in their pajamas, stand them up in front of the nation, shine bright lights on them and demand an interview is appalling. I bet they only did it so that they could get the scoop on breaking the news first, it was very disrespectful to the Rangi's. Is it little wonder Rachel Smalley and her cohorts are considered one of the least respected and trusted professions in the world...."

Comment By Terry on Sunday, 23 September 09:21: "It was only the kind nature of the Rangi's that allowed Rachel to get away with such a rude invasion. Why could she not wait until they got up themselves at 8:30am instead of dragging them out half asleep and in their pajamas... She just wanted to be first to boost TV3 ratings... sad and disrespectful..."

Comment By Very happy on Monday, 24 September 13:16: "Ohh Maree and all the gulable others..I have had enough of this "oh poor them". I was personally involved in their last scam and I really don't care what others who wern't have to say, I have just pointed out some truths that I know of. "

Comment By Robert on Monday, 24 September 16:01: "Very Happy wheres you proof?? You go on about being ripped off but you have provided the public with no proof, I think you need to just keep quite and stop slagging off the Rangis and by the looks of you other quotes the rest of New Zealand, LOSER"

Comment By Oldest daughter on Tuesday, 25 September 20:48: "very happy, please feel free to email me at loralee_20@hotmail.com. i have written this address a few times now n the hope that you will find the courage to email me and tell me personally exactly what you think has happened to you. I personally am starting to think that you may have a bit of a mental issue maybe someone could help you with? hope to hear from you soon. If there is no email then we know you want attention. I pity you so far."

Comment By Confused on Thursday, 27 September 08:33: "Um, that's a nice gesture and all, but aren't you supposed to be reviewing tradesmen? Seems like a play for media attention to me."

Comment By Lisa Mihaere on Saturday, 29 September 00:56: "Oh shucks my bad i thought this was the site for donating money for the Rangi Whanau?? (Big ups for those who have the heart to do so) OH WELL.."GO HARD HINEAWE , EVERITT & TARAWA"!!!!!! YOU ALL DESERVE TO SEE YOUR DREAM TRIP THROUGH!!"

Comment By Pauleen Armstrong on Friday, 5 October 09:08: "hi can you give me an update on the family, I would love to hear how they are getting on, to see if all is well for them. I hope and pray they are having a great time. wishing them all the best, from the Armstrong family."

Comment By Tahu Stirling Oterepo Kohanga Reo on Monday, 8 October 22:13: "I am a first time viewer to this web-site and I am sadden to see the large number of good generous Kiwi's who are giving their hard earned money in good faith to this women who claims to have lost $11,000 from some bogus camper van company on the internet when in fact one can hire them for much cheaper. In fact on the quotes I have seen, I could fly 3 adults Ak to Paris return with 3 weeks camper van hire for $12500 NZ. There is a lot of talk from people who have taken Hineawe on face value and not judged her aided by the power of the media because if its on TV3 then it must be true right? Well from my experience of Hineawe she appeared to be everything of the above but for one very important fact, she is a fraudster and a convicted one at that, having ripped off our Kohanga Reo of thousands of dollars to the point that we nearly closed. All the money we saved went on an expensive motorbike for her ex-husband and god knows what else, so if you ask me whether I trust her, I would have to say NO!! Based on my previous experience with Hineawe, I would ask myself these questions: Did she lose the money or is it some elaborate scam and if she did pay the money where did she get it from ? and what about travel insurance ? and why after losing $11,000 would one leave your bag on a tourist bus to get it stolen. In all this I feel sorry for her family and the many other people she has ripped off...do you have no shame Hineawe and when will you learn about honesty and trustworthiness ???"

Comment By Paula on Friday, 12 October 18:31: "Hi there Matt I donated some funds a few weeks ago and just heard about the news that alarmed me about Hineawe money fraud???? so what do we do from here??"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Friday, 12 October 20:10: "Hi Paula, please see above notes. Hineawe does have a dishonesty conviction from 14 years ago. There is no reason or evidence that her troubles in Paris were not genuine. She has offered to endeavour to repay all donors. If the unthinkable happens and this is proved a scam then I will personally refund your money. Please email your details (see above) so that if a refund is available I can get it to you."

Comment By laura oldest daughter on Friday, 12 October 22:13: "Hey Matt thank you for the faith you have as i personally know that she has been saving for a LLLLOOOOONNNNNGGGGG time. I found out about the news story just now and i believe that this is genuine also. Being caught that time completely changed her life and i am saddened by the way she s being portrayed. To all those who donated, i am sorry that you may have doubts. But as far as i know being her daughter, she IS legitimate. Thanks again to everyone and lets listen out for when tv1 realises they are in the wrong."

Comment By Concerned on Monday, 15 October 13:43: "Bull Running? That a Spanish festival (in Spain!) isnt it? I thought the Rangi family were in France? NZD$180 a day?! when they have free accomodation and match tickets? There are families in Europe live in NZD$180 a week - I hope the Rangi family will be donating to charity. Having lived in Europe for several years, EUR90 a day is a lot of money when your essentials are paid for. I was quite supportive of the Rangi family (even though I knew of the conviction) until I read the comments and amount paid to them above. . .now I'm starting to wonder. . . even if there had not been a conviction, the costs above would have me thinking something was up."

Comment By Doug on Monday, 15 October 15:10: "Did any one read Wednesdays press (09-10-07 with the front page story about the Ukraine women stranded here in ch ch .Moving story,can any one help me` to set up a fund to help her. she has never asked any thing from any one .Her legal fees are already up to $5,000 and she needs living costs and at the sametime she sends any thing home to the Ukraine to her mum so as her two boys aged 3 13 can eat and keep a roof over there heads ,. its great that people will help some one who loses there tickets to a rugby game . to me this women is in real need . how about it ,can any one help me .If you wish to read the stories or find out more contact Rebecca Todd at the` press or email me at (doug.deb@xtra.co.nz"

Comment By NH on Tuesday, 16 October 15:52: "Laura, are you saying that she has been lucky not to get caught all the other times?"

Comment By laura on Tuesday, 16 October 16:00: "NH???? Once again someone hiding behind initials. No i am not saying that at all. I am saying that when that happened she got caught and it changed her life. i think sir/madam that i know how much belief you have in yourself by not even being able to give your first name. Laura mihaere oldest daughter, loralee_20@hotmail.com. (by the way that's the 3rd time i have left my email and only one person has been genuine enough to reply to it.) love to all and hang in there matt, they'll get those buggers and Tahu Stirling may just remember it took 3 signatories. So much for their friendship. xox"

Comment By NH on Wednesday, 17 October 16:41: "So there have been other times"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Wednesday, 17 October 20:44: "Concerned: the NZ$180/day was *my* assumption, it had nothing to do with the Rangis. It was an assumption made within a day of the initial broadcast on TV3, before I had made any contact with them. We needed a number to aim for, and that was how it was calculated. I was completely up front about that so donors could make up their own minds.
All this is irrelevant if Hineawe follows through on her offer to repay the money. Please give her a chance to make good on that offer."

Comment By John on Thursday, 18 October 03:59: "Are the Rangis still in France? Did they receive tickets for all the matches including the final?"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Thursday, 18 October 08:50: "John: yes. They attended the first semi final last weekend. I believe they are attending the final but I am not certain."

Comment By Gareth on Thursday, 18 October 12:41: "Do you smell something? Yes, that smell is fish. There has always been something fishy about this, and now we know why. I would just like to say there is no egg on my face, and the shame is on you Dee, and the others who flamed those who questioned this situation. Ignoring your gullibility, good on you if you donated. Hopefully what Laura says is true and that the Rangis are actually a worthy cause. If not then I can only hope that everyone's overwhelming generosity will reform Mrs Rangi."

Comment By Shocked on Thursday, 18 October 15:19: "Correct Gareth, After what has come to light on the news then all I can say is what goes around comes around."

Comment By What the.. on Thursday, 18 October 15:31: "Cook should have dealt to them all"

Comment By William Andrews(no.1 son inlaw) on Thursday, 18 October 20:31: "Hey thanks to everyone out there who has supported my mother inlaw. I know myself that she had spent so much time and effort organising that trip for her and everett. id like to acknowledge the brilliant person who made this web page . And to all the people who have contributed towards their trip. thank you so much. youre most welcome to come over my house for a feed. hehe. thanks so much."

Comment By Roland van Til on Friday, 19 October 23:45: "As the day of the Rugby World Cup Final approaches, could a family memeber or perhaps yourself Mr Burgess, please contact the Rangi family and ask them please to return my tent that I lent to them when they first arrived in Paris. Thank you, Roland van Til"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Sunday, 21 October 04:32: "Roland: I've sent Hineawe a text. You can also contact Laura, who has posted her email address on this board."

Comment By Hineawe Rangi on Friday, 26 October 16:24: "Hi there folks this is Hineawe here and I have just returned to New Zealand and my daughters have let me know about this web site so I have come on here in the hope that I can answer your questions and let you know what I have done in the past and hopefully let you know that what has happened to us in Europe was not a scam. And the thing that has bothered me is that my husband has been made to feel guilty about everything and he shouldn't have to because he has done nothing wrong, it is my past that has brought this all out. I have no problems about what I am about to write as I know that I did the things which were stated and I tell my side of the story here. While living in Christchurch my daughter attended a kohanga reo - Otepo. I was the treasurer and I stole 7 thousand dollars (the reason doesn't need to be said as this is about my actions and by telling the reason will only implicate another person who needs to own up to his own wrong doing at the time). After many weeks I begun to feel guilty about what I had happened so I went to the police and told them what I had done, and handed myself in. It took many weeks and months before the case went to court. I was ordered to complete communtiy service and reimburse all monies taken. I was unable to complete my community service due to family and marital stress, so I then went back to court and was sentenced to periodic detention which I completed. All monies were repaid through the justice department. I eventually left Christchurch after awhile as I needed to get away and start a fresh. I knew that I would never get into any legal situation again, due to the death of my 16 year old son I re-evaluated my life and said my daughters deserved much more then two dead lose parents. I came to Tauranga and begun my life again, I have been working hard and doing all that I can to ensure that my children got a good education and learnt the importance of right from wrong because they needed to know they were loved and supported in whatever they did and that being on the wrong side of the law wont open many doors to you. I have never hidden what I have done from people. Over the years I have had to have police checks because I have worked in schools, with youth, and also done part-time work with the the General Elections and Statistics NZ they have all recieved my criminal record. Last year while I was away in Auckland I was burgled and an insurance investigator was sent out to visit and talk to me about everything. When he asked about any convictions I handed him the copy which I have. As I said I did what I did and I have never hidden the fact. I didn't intentionally go and ask TV 3 to do what they did, We were ready to come home and write it off as an experience that we didn't need. I let both Rachel from TV 3 and Matt Burgess know even before I knew about this website that we would endeavor to pay back all monies which have been donated. Matt assured me that he has names for all these people and I would like to thank you all now and yes be assured once things are sorted this will be done. When tv 3 said that the sponsors wouldn't require that I told them that we would then see about donating their amount to some charities. I am thankful for Matt and for all those who still believed even after the stories came out, obviously even 10-12 years later after the event they are still hurting. I have tried to move on and make improvements and I know that I will continue to do that, to make improvements to accept I have done wrong, forgive myself, and ensure that I don't make the same mistake again. "

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Comment By who made who on Tuesday, 13 November 21:32: "All the Rangi family's holiday arrangements over the internet need to be checked out eg the url/email address of the campervan business that ripped them off, maybe bank account details showing how they got their money to go to the world cup, and the method they used to send all that money overseas and who received it, if by chance that they cant remember who they made contact with, their ISP provider should have a history of any internet access. There are a few other avenues to see their methods of contacts and money transfers. "

Comment By broken lizard on Tuesday, 13 November 21:40: "Hmm, have these people had any relationships with any Churches/charitable organisations/WINZ etc in tauranga?, good or bad?....theres always the need for forgiveness but if theres a history of exploitation then theres accountability needed."

Comment By not thick on Wednesday, 14 November 14:18: "The lack of media coverage apon return says it all, refer back to the comment from Little Happier. Just another one to add the the list eh, what's next?"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Thursday, 15 November 11:01: "A couple of responses: a) Hineawe has promised paperwork supporting the purchases. The purchases were made via a credit card and I have asked for a copy of a statement supporting that. She has already provided some confirmation letters. b) The media is following up on this. I have received a number of calls from both TV1 and TV3, and I understand National Radio is in contact with Hineawe. I have also published accounts, which record receiving and distributing all funds. You can download them from link below. As always, you can call me with any questions or concerns you have, my number is near the top of the page."

Comment By suspicious on Friday, 16 November 11:16: "What goes around comes around, I'm sure the child care centre and the kids missed out on a lot, why should the rangis even have the right to complain as this is the same thing she did to them. She is a convicted criminal with 10 counts of fraudulently using cheques and two counts of forging documents, not to mention the dishonesty and scam she pulled on a high school in which she worked receintly, ask her, she knows, just lucky they didn't take it to the police. She didn't learn from her mistake as she claims(hmm maybe that's the wrong word to use as a mistake implies indeliberate actions). She is an oppurtiunist, as are a lot of them, we have seen this in the news over the past few years, they think they will get away with it. I think we have a lot of generous and caring people in New Zealand who gave without question but I think this has a "cry wolf" senareo attached to it. do we do it again?. there were a few in the early stages of this website that pointed out some facts but most chose to ignore them and fobbed them off, well things did eventually come out in the media, it seems that that is the only way some of us actually aknowledge the truth, if it's on TV then it must be true. This is a case of the con man being conned, the scammer being scammed and like I said in the beginning "What goes around comes around"."

Comment By Matt Burgess on Monday, 19 November 01:36: "Suspicious: I certainly hope your comment that, "This is a case of the con man being conned" is not directed at me.

I think you've made your point."

Comment By Suspicious on Monday, 19 November 09:47: "Not at all Matt, I have a great deal of respect for you and what you have acheived, my comment "This is a case of the con man being conned" was directed at the rangis and their supposed French connection."

Comment By Concerned on Monday, 10 December 20:31: "Hi Matt, any updates?"

Comment By Concerned on Sunday, 23 December 10:47: "Hi Matt, anything more happening here or have you washed yours hands of it?"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Saturday, 29 December 17:01: "Concerned, apologies for the delay, I haven't been checking this page lately. I am still following up with Hineawe as I am not yet satisfied the cause was genuine: I remain undecided one way or the other. After some considerable delay, Hineawe has provided bank statements which she says show payments to a scammer here in NZ from whom she purchased the campervan rental. I am currently following up with her on these statements so that I understand which items relate to the holiday.
Both TV1 and TV3 have been in regular contact with me asking what is happening.
I can also tell you that communications with Hineawe have been very difficult. She has explained to me some major difficulties she is having at the moment, some of them precipitated by the world cup trip, and this is why, she says, communications have been so slow. Communications have been so bad, however, that on two occasions I have had to set deadlines after which I have told Hineawe I will go to Police and lay a fraud complaint. In both instances this has produced action from Hineawe.
I am conscious that Hineawe is, or appears to be, under a great deal of pressure, so I am mindful of not pushing too hard. If this is fraud, after all, it can still be prosecuted three or six months from now. However, my request, which is that she proves she bought a holiday and didn't make it all up, is simple and Hineawe has agreed to prove this occurred.
If this is ultimately shown to be a fraud, then I will personally repay all donors who either contact me or whose details I already have, and any funds not returned to donors will be forwarded to charity. TV3 has kindly expressed a willingness to assist in those repayments, which is decent of them.
I appreciate you following up on this and I will post more updates as they occur."

Comment By Matt Burgess on Thursday, 10 January 19:18: "Folks, I have spoken to Police about Hineawe. They are talking to their legal team. If they decide that any fraud that has occurred is criminal, then they will launch an investigation into Hineawe. If instead they decide that any fraud is a civil matter, then they will refer me to some other agency.
The decision to go to Police was not taken lightly. It is a final step after a long, drawn out process in which Hineawe repeatedly promised to deliver receipts and bank statements showing the purchase of the campervan occurred. She has not been able to do so, and she has ignored my emails to her since then.
I hope that Police will be able to determine one way or another what has happened so that we can all move on from this sad, bizarre and tortuous saga."

Comment By Laura Mihaere Oldest Daughter on Wednesday, 16 January 15:04: "Yes people if there is anyone still reading this, i am here to say Matt i thank you for everything you have done and i understand what a hard decision it must have been to go to the police. My only hope is that my mother comes through this with nothing to be embarrased about. You are a great man Matt Burgess. I have not seen my mother for awhile but i will stand behind her till the end."

Comment By Matt Burgess on Thursday, 17 January 08:43: "Thanks Laura, it means a hell of a lot to hear you say that, actually. I genuinely hope there is nothing to find. I have a lot of sympathy for Hineawe, I know she has been through some really tough times. Fingers crossed, this will all be over and we can all move on soon."

Comment By Matt Burgess on Monday, 28 January 17:02: "I have heard nothing from the Police as yet. I have twice called and left messages for the officer in charge of the complaint to call me. I have also sent emails to him and the constable that took my statement, without success (they bounced). So I wait and hope to hear something.

Hineawe has brought a lawyer on board, and he contacted me last week asking for a copy of the statement I gave to Police. he also asked me to communicate through him from now on. That is a good move by Hineawe. Whatever is really happening, this raises legal issues and getting advice is smart whatever the truth is. I will continue to post updates here."

Comment By just wondering on Saturday, 16 February 22:21: "hi matt anything different yet?"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Monday, 25 February 11:51: "Hi there: an update. I've just had a called from the Police. Their legal team has completed their review of the case and are now writing a report with their decision on whether the Police will become involved. The question for the legal team is if any fraud has occurred, is it a criminal matter? The sargeant who called said I would probably be able to see that report. He gave no indication which way their decision has gone.

I hope the Police do investigate. I fear I will never get to the bottom of this without their help, given Hineawe's apparent refusal to co-operate. I also hope that, somehow, this is all a big misunderstanding and in fact no fraud has occurred, or if it has it is very minor.

I have a lot sympathy for Hineawe and her family, who have been very kind and generous to me, and in many ways I would prefer it if this could just go away, but I also think it is reasonable to ask for accountability and pursue all available avenues, starting with the least disruptive and difficult first. The frustrating thing is that all of this could have been avoided if Hineawe had just picked up the phone the many, many times I have called and just talked to me frankly. I have many questions for her."

Comment By Friend of the Rangi's on Thursday, 28 February 21:06: "[Comment deleted]"

Comment By Laura Mihaere on Sunday, 2 March 10:04: "Friend of the rangis what a dreamer. I have managed to sit back and watch all of this but let's get personal aye!!! One of the older kids kept ripping the family members off, one kept spinning lies while smoking p and the other well he has a problem that needs attention but no your friends are gonna let him live with his problems to possibly repeat when he is older. If you were really a friend you would realise that everitt and Hineawe are adults and may or may not have broken up for that reason but who cares. That is not our business. I've had enough of all you dreamers who think you really matter. Get your facts sorted or lie on the road get hit by a truck. "

Comment By Ra-Everitts Daughter on Sunday, 2 March 14:21: "Friend of the rangi's..Wot r u on buddy??Wot eva happened in Dad and Hineawes relationship is there business. It has been A very stressful time for the both of them and us (there kids).Me and my brother John love Hineawe very much, so as for saying we don't want anything to do with her is bulls**t!! We have just gone in our own directions in life, thats all! NOW Laura Mihaere-Theaz a rat in me kitchen!! Ripping family members off, Spinning lies & Smoking P, A problem 2 repeat when hes older???? Whats this all about...And Where's ya proof detective??? Just because u go to The Mormon Church once every 2months don't mean your a Saint Love. Pull ya finger out. Wot eva happened to Dad and Your mums relationship we all knew would,Remember,we talked about it all the time,it was ova before it started!...We had wicked times as a family.lets just remember the good NOT the bad, life is about change and it's about that time!!"

Comment By Courtney James. youngest daughter on Monday, 3 March 13:21: "wata family!!! hahaha thank u matt for everything u hav done...and we all hope that things will be sorted as soon as possible. as for this family i think we all know that we shud keep our business to ourselves...gee it already looks bad that our mother has been reported to the police let alone the rest of our dramas! so once again thank you matt and what ever happens happens you have our support."

Comment By Matt Burgess on Wednesday, 14 May 21:10: "Whew, I think I have managed to get rid of all the spam. From now on, if you'd like to post a comment, please type 'human' (without the '') in the new box below.

There have been no further developments. Neither Hineawe nor her lawyer have been in contact. The Police have tracked Hineawe to Tauranga, and have moved the case file up to there. They tell me that eventually Hineawe will turn up and they'll be having a good chat to her when she does.

I am sorry to say that this continued, unexplained silence, along with the her unexplained failure to provide any evidence of any kind of loss on her trip, plus what appears to be at least one deliberate attempt to mislead me, plus her active avoidance of me, convinces me that Hineawe took that money from donors fraudulently.

I will therefore be refunding donors in the next couple of weeks as I promised back when this saga began. Let me say right now: not a single donor has asked for their money back to this day. How sad, Hineawe, that you so completely lack the integrity and generosity they have shown you.

I made that promise to repay donors if this was a scam last year for two reasons. One, because I wanted people to understand that there was no way whatsoever that I was personally profiting from this. And secondly, I made it because I believed in Hineawe. I really did. I still did as late as January. I was probably one of the last people to give up on Hineawe. I just couldn't believe anybody could be so breathtakingly cynical as to make up so sad a story and then actually turn up to Western Union and take that money. Hineawe's donors are people who only wanted to help. I still can't believe it even now.

I am not certain what parts of her story are untrue, but whatever the truth is, simply ignoring the dozens of phone calls, texts and emails simply asking for an explanation is a disgrace. We're the ones who were on your side, Hineawe, I'm quite sure we deserved better than that.

Hineawe, if you are reading this, I'm sorry for you. For the sake of less than $7000 you now have the Police after you again and your name in tatters again. Was it worth it?

I'll post another update when this is finally put to bed."

Comment By Matt Burgess on Wednesday, 18 June 08:53: "Folks, if you donated money, please contact me immediately with a) the name you donated under, and b) the amount you donated so that I can write a cheque in your name and return your donation.

A total of $7126 was donated, I have names for $6095 of that. A total of $1031.60 is unclaimed. All unclaimed donations will be given to charity. And yes, I'll be keeping receipts! Email me: mattb02 at gmail.com Thank you all for your support."

Comment By danite on Friday, 18 July 06:41: "Ra-Everitts Daughter, who are you to comment about the mormon church or any of their members...do you go to any church?,"

Comment By Mr I.T on Saturday, 19 July 10:04: "Diagnostic page for www.mytradesman.co.nz/ What happened when Google visited this site? Reported Attack Site! This web site at www.mytradesman.co.nz has been reported as an attack site and has been blocked based on security preferences. Attack sites try to install programs that steal private information, use your computer to attack others, or damage your system. Some attack sites intentionally distribute harmful software, but many are compromised without the knowledge or permission of their owners. Of the 37 pages tested on the site over the past 90 days, 3 page(s) resulted in malicious software being downloaded and installed without user consent. The last time Google visited this site was on 07/16/2008, and the last time suspicious content was found on this site was on 07/16/2008. Malicious software includes 1 scripting exploit(s). Successful infection resulted in an average of 0 new processes on the target machine. Malicious software is hosted on 9 domain(s), including stiwdd.com, adsitelo.com, ucomddv.com. 1 domain(s) appear to be functioning as intermediaries for distributing malware to visitors of this site, including ucomddv.com. In some cases, third parties can add malicious code to legitimate sites, which would cause us to show the warning message....this been "Mywebsearch? which can infect your computer in many locations"

Comment By Matt Burgess on Friday, 1 August 20:35: "Folks, the saga is over. Whew. A generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous has stepped up and very kindly assisted in repaying donors who gave money for the Rangi family last year. This donor gave about $6000 back to these ''originals'' and I personally funded the outstanding amount of just over $1000, which was given to the Te Mapua Trust which helps disadvantaged kids in Christchurch. The cheques went out about two weeks ago.

That $1000 represents the amount of money given by people whose identities I do not know. The other $6000, given by the anonymous donor, was all returned to donors whose contact details I have. I have not divulged the identities of the anonymous donor and the original donors to each other. That is the arrangement.

I have not personally profited from this. All money, including interest earned on funds, has been returned to donors or given to charity, as promised when this whole thing blew up in October last year. I was myself a donor, and along with everybody else had a cheque cut in my name. I am preparing accounts and can provide those to anybody who asks. They will of course not identify individuals by name.

As far as I am aware, Hineawe''s position is that the money she took will be repaid. In the unlikely event that does ever happen, then that money will either be returned to the anonymous donor or given to charity.

Thank you all again for your help and support. I have to say it has been a pleasure all of the contact I have had from Mrs. Rangi''s wider family. They have been friendly and warm to me, which I really really appreciate. Donors have been amazing - not once did they ask for the money back even when this whole thing fell apart. I even had trouble giving them their money back! Such is the quality of these people.

As incredibly cynical as Hineawe was in taking that money after making up some or all of that story of hers, I have been inspired by almost everybody else''s response throughout this. You have all been brilliant.

Anyway, pleased this saga is over, time to move on. Thanks all. "

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