How quickly can an emergency fundraiser go live?
As soon as the review is complete. Providing ID, bank details and evidence of the situation up front is the fastest route.
Fundraising guide
Fundraising after a flood, fire or emergency
After a flood, fire or storm, people want to help quickly. That speed is also when scams appear. A good emergency fundraiser is clear about who receives the money and gets verified before it is widely shared.
Written and reviewed by the Good Cause team at Webfit Solutions Limited · Updated 29 September 2026 · About Good Cause
For people setting up an appeal
Name the people or community the money is for and how you know them. Say what the money will be used for first, for example emergency accommodation, clothing, or replacing tools of trade. If you are raising money for a whole community, say which organisation will distribute it.
For donors
Give through a page that says who receives the money and has been checked. Be wary of pages that ask you to pay into a personal bank account, use gift cards or cryptocurrency, or cannot say who they are.
- Check who the beneficiary is
- Look for verification or review
- Pay by card through a secure checkout, not a direct transfer to a stranger
- Report anything that looks wrong
Overseas disasters
Good Cause accepts appeals for overseas disasters when the funds go to a verified beneficiary or relief partner. These campaigns receive extra review.
Start your fundraiser
Free to start. Reviewed by a person. The cause receives 97.5% of every donation.
Common questions
How do I know an emergency appeal is genuine?
Check who receives the money, whether the page has been reviewed, and whether updates are posted. Report any page that looks wrong.
Related guides
- How to raise money online in New Zealand
- How to fundraise for someone else
- Fundraising rules in New Zealand
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.