The Rebuild after Cyclone Gabrielle - small community of Te Karaka felt abandoned | The Hui 2023

Cyclone Gabriel's Impact on Takaka: Community Resilience and Recovery

Overview of Cyclone Gabriel's Aftermath

• The devastation caused by Cyclone Gabriel in Takaka has left many residents homeless, with a significant number lacking insurance for rebuilding efforts.

• Local iwi (tribe) Taang A Mahi is spearheading an ambitious plan to repair and rebuild homes for affected families within six months.

Personal Accounts of Loss and Struggle

• Residents express feelings of abandonment post-cyclone, highlighting the emotional toll of losing their homes and possessions. One individual recounts leaving his hometown due to the cyclone's destruction.

• Many community members are currently living in emergency accommodations, leading to a sense of upheaval in their lives. One resident shares that he lost everything except a photo of his father from World War II.

Insurance Challenges and Community Support

• The lack of insurance among nearly half the affected households complicates recovery efforts; many view insurance as a luxury they cannot afford. Robin Lona, chief executive of the local iwi, emphasizes this issue while overseeing the response efforts.

• There are 110 homes impacted by the cyclone; only 66 are insured, leaving 44 uninsured households facing uncertain futures without government assistance. Robin hopes for support from central government in upcoming budgets to aid these families.

Recovery Plans and Temporary Housing Solutions

• The iwi is exploring two options for recovery: rebuilding new homes at an estimated cost up to $500,000 or repairing existing structures at a lower cost between $18,000 and $50,000 per home. They aim to provide temporary housing solutions while repairs are underway.

• Plans include bringing over 100 portable homes to Takaka by May’s end, with aspirations for permanent housing completion by August. This initiative aims to restore normalcy for displaced families during reconstruction efforts.

Emotional Toll and Community Spirit

• Residents like Mat Brightwell face long waits for insurance assessments but remain focused on restoring their homes for family reunification; community support has been crucial during this challenging time.

• Despite overwhelming challenges ahead, there is hope among residents as they receive assistance from their iwi; many express gratitude towards community initiatives aimed at providing temporary shelter during recovery processes. Robin acknowledges the pressure felt by those involved in these relief efforts but remains committed to supporting her community through this crisis.