NZ TikTok Star Raises Flood Funds After Losing Family Home

When torrential floods destroyed Louis Davis' childhood home in January, the New Zealand TikTok star turned his grief into action that lifted an entire community.

The 32-year-old from near Whangārei lost the house filled with memories of his parents and grandparents. But instead of dwelling on the loss, he used his platform of 2 million TikTok followers to raise funds for neighbors whose lives were upended by the disaster.

"We lost everything, but everyone's safe, which is the main thing," Louis says. His own home where he lives with wife Ashleigh and their three daughters was spared, making him luckier than many.

What started as a university hobby has grown into Louis' full-time career. He posts daily videos sharing family moments, diving adventures, and comedy sketches that regularly go viral.

But the real mission behind his content runs deeper. Louis wants to show positive representations of Māori fatherhood, inspired by his own dad who broke cycles of absence to show up at every basketball game and training session.

"My dad is my hero," Louis says. "He didn't have a father around, but he showed me everything. I wanted to tell a story of goodness about te ao Māori and our people."

That same spirit of showing up defines how Louis parents his three daughters. He credits both parents with building the confidence that carries him through challenges today.

The Ripple Effect

Louis' influence reached beyond fundraising when he won NZ Creator of the Year at the TikTok Awards. He couldn't attend the ceremony because he was in Brazil fulfilling a wedding day promise to his wife to visit all seven wonders of the world.

"I was seeing the last Wonder of the World with her and our three kids," he smiles. "People ask why take kids who won't remember it, but I remember what it's like to watch my toddlers play with kids in a park in Rio."

With millions watching his life unfold, Louis has learned to block out both praise and criticism. "I chose a long time ago who can give me mana and who can take my mana," he explains. "It's my wife, my kids and my parents. There's no compliment I'll take on board, but there's also nothing you can say to hurt my feelings."

After the floods, Louis maintains perspective. "The land remains and everything can be rebuilt," he says. "I have a very blessed life."

His online community proved that when disaster strikes, digital connections can translate into real-world impact that helps neighbors rebuild what the waters washed away.