Key Takeaways
- A family’s off-the-grid dream home was devastated by a storm in Te Araroa, North Island, on January 21
- The family, including a grandmother, her husband, and her grandson, were forced to evacuate their property due to rising floodwaters and debris
- The family’s neighbors, including a family with five children, were also affected by the storm and had to be evacuated by helicopter
- The community has come together to support those affected by the storm, with Givealittle pages set up to help with recovery efforts
- The storm has highlighted the importance of community and the need for support during times of crisis
Introduction to the Storm
The storm that hit Te Araroa on January 21 was a devastating event that caught many residents off guard. For one family, the storm was a traumatic experience that destroyed their off-the-grid dream home. Wright, the grandmother, and her husband, Steve, had worked tirelessly to build their tiny home on a bare paddock with some trees, which they had purchased five years ago. The property, which was bounded by the Punaruku Stream, was a tranquil oasis, with a deck and a few dwellings. However, on the night of the storm, the stream became a raging torrent, bringing with it logs, debris, and destruction.
The Storm Hits
As the rain came down, Wright and her grandson sat in the car, poised to evacuate, while Steve monitored the water levels from inside their tiny home. The neighbors told Wright that the stream was climbing up the bridge, and the smell of the earth and debris changed, signaling that something was terribly wrong. When Wright flicked on the headlights, she was met with a wall of water, logs, and debris coming towards her, and she knew they had to get out. She yelled at Steve to "get the hell out of there," and he escaped with the dog out the back, while Wright and her grandson found a "pocket" at the base of the hill. However, with slips in front of them and the bridge impassable behind them, they were trapped, and the night was filled with the sound of crackling and debris coming down.
The Aftermath
The storm was a harrowing experience for the family, and the aftermath was equally devastating. Wright’s property was left in "total devastation," and the family was forced to evacuate to the Hinerupe Marae, where they were well looked after. The neighbors, including a family with five children, were also affected by the storm and had to be evacuated by helicopter. A Givealittle page was set up for the Ngatai family, who lost their home, and another page was set up for Wright and Steve, detailing what they had lost and the tough clean-up ahead. Wright was humbled by the support and grateful for the love and kindness of the community.
Community Support
The storm has highlighted the importance of community and the need for support during times of crisis. The Hinerupe Marae has been a haven for those affected by the storm, providing shelter, food, and comfort. The community has come together to support those in need, with many people donating to the Givealittle pages and offering messages of support. Wright said that in times like these, "just a hug’s all you need," and the community has been providing exactly that. The storm may have destroyed homes and property, but it has also brought the community closer together, and the outpouring of support is a testament to the resilience and kindness of the people of Te Araroa.
Recovery and Rebuilding
The road to recovery will be long and difficult, but with the support of the community, Wright and Steve are determined to rebuild their lives. They are grateful for the love and support of their daughter, who set up the Givealittle page without their knowledge, and for the kindness of strangers who have donated to their cause. The storm may have taken their home, but it has not taken their spirit, and they are determined to rebuild and create a new life for themselves. As Wright said, "It’s not just us," and the community is coming together to support all those affected by the storm, to rebuild and recover, and to create a brighter future for all.
