Key Takeaways
- Marae on Northland’s east coast played a crucial role in leading the response to the recent massive storm, providing kai, power, and shelter to stranded travelers and evacuated locals.
- Lessons learned during Cyclone Gabrielle three years ago have proved invaluable, with marae undergoing upgrades to improve their emergency response capabilities.
- The storm caused significant damage and isolation in the area, with some communities cut off from the outside world and experiencing flooding, slips, and power outages.
- The community came together to support each other, with marae volunteers providing food, shelter, and emotional support to those in need.
- Climate change is believed to be making storms more intense, highlighting the importance of having a Civil Defence readiness plan in place and being prepared for future events.
Introduction to the Storm
The recent storm that hit Northland’s east coast was a significant event that caused widespread damage and isolation in the area. Marae, which are community centers that play a vital role in Māori culture, were at the forefront of the response efforts, providing essential services and support to those affected. Paora Glassie, the Civil Defence lead for tetao Reti Marae at Punaruku, noted that the marae had undergone significant upgrades since Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, including the installation of a solar power system, improved water supply, and emergency equipment. These upgrades proved invaluable in the recent storm, allowing the marae to provide critical support to the community.
The Impact of the Storm
The storm had a devastating impact on the community, with significant flooding, slips, and power outages reported. The settlement of Punaruku was particularly hard hit, with residents unable to leave or access essential supplies due to the flooding and slips. The nearby beachside settlement of akura was also severely affected, with the community hall damaged and many residents left without access to basic necessities. The storm was so intense that it washed out a bridge and caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure. According to regional council figures, Punaruku recorded the heaviest rainfall in Northland during the storm, with intensities of about 80mm an hour between 3am and 5am on Sunday, 18 January. This is significant, as most places in Northland typically get around 80mm of rain during the entire month of January.
The Role of Marae in the Response
The marae played a critical role in the response to the storm, providing food, shelter, and emotional support to those in need. tetao Reti Marae, for example, had enough food stored in its emergency containers to provide for the first two big meals, and later received deliveries of food from the Ngātiwai Trust Board. The marae also provided a warm bed and a listening ear to those who needed it, with "Auntie Trish" describing the marae as a place where people could come for "manaaki" (support and care). The marae’s automated weather station also helped to keep tabs on the rainfall, allowing the community to prepare for the worst. The marae’s solar power system and improved water supply also ensured that the community had access to essential services, even when the power was out.
Community Spirit and Resilience
The storm brought out the best in the community, with residents coming together to support each other in the face of adversity. Whangārei primary school teacher Katerina Linton, who lives opposite the marae, noted that the generosity of small communities like Punaruku is "amazing". She said that the way everyone pulled together to help people trapped in the area was truly inspiring. Another resident, Maureen Hing, noted that locals did not sit back and wait for help to arrive, but instead took matters into their own hands. A group of young men from Punaruku and Mokau used chainsaws and shovels to clear slips and create a four-wheel-drive track, allowing essential supplies to reach the area. This community spirit and resilience were critical in the face of the storm, and will be essential in the recovery efforts that follow.
Preparing for Future Events
The recent storm highlights the importance of being prepared for future events. Paora Glassie noted that climate change is making storms more intense, and that it is essential for communities to have a Civil Defence readiness plan in place. This includes having basic essentials such as generators and fuel, as well as a plan for how to respond in the event of an emergency. Glassie also emphasized the importance of community spirit and resilience, saying that "we all must come together as a unit so we can overcome this challenge, and get ready for the next event". By working together and being prepared, communities can reduce the impact of future storms and ensure that they are better equipped to respond to emergencies. Furthermore, the marae’s experience during the recent storm highlights the importance of investing in infrastructure and emergency preparedness, particularly in rural and isolated communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent storm that hit Northland’s east coast was a significant event that highlighted the importance of community spirit, resilience, and preparedness. The marae played a critical role in the response efforts, providing essential services and support to those affected. The storm also highlighted the importance of being prepared for future events, and the need for communities to have a Civil Defence readiness plan in place. By working together and being prepared, communities can reduce the impact of future storms and ensure that they are better equipped to respond to emergencies. As Paora Glassie noted, "it might be next year, next month, or next week" before the next storm hits, and it is essential that communities are ready. By investing in infrastructure and emergency preparedness, and by working together to support each other, communities can build resilience and reduce the impact of future disasters.
