Key Takeaways
- Marae on Northland’s east coast played a crucial role in responding to the recent massive storm, providing shelter, food, and support to stranded travelers and evacuated locals.
- Lessons learned from Cyclone Gabrielle three years ago helped marae prepare for the recent storm, with many having undergone upgrades such as solar power systems and emergency equipment.
- The storm caused significant damage and isolation in the area, with roads and bridges washed out, leaving many without access to basic necessities.
- 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 contributing to more intense storms, highlighting the importance of community preparedness and Civil Defence readiness plans.
Introduction to the Storm
The recent massive storm that hit Northland’s east coast brought back memories of Cyclone Gabrielle, which struck the region three years ago. However, the lessons learned from that experience proved invaluable in preparing marae for the recent disaster. Marae, which are Maori community centers, played a vital role in responding to the storm, providing shelter, food, and support to stranded travelers and evacuated locals. One of the most isolated areas was Punaruku, which was cut off by flooding and a washed-out bridge to the north, and a large slip just to the south of the settlement.
Preparation and Response
Paora Glassie, Civil Defence lead for Punaruku’s tetao Reti Marae, noted that the marae had undergone a major upgrade since Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. The upgrade included a solar power system, an improved water supply, shipping containers stocked with emergency equipment, and even an automated weather station to keep tabs on rainfall. These preparations enabled the marae to provide essential services to the community, including food, shelter, and medical support. Glassie said that a few homes in the settlement suffered damage from the storm, but the real challenge was the isolation, with many residents unable to access basic necessities.
Community Support
The marae became a hub for community support, with volunteers providing food, shelter, and emotional support to those in need. "Auntie Trish", a member of the local Civil Defence group, described the rain as "horrendous" and said that marae volunteers had opened the doors to anyone who needed help, delivered food parcels, and carried out welfare checks. The marae had enough food stored in its emergency containers for the first two big meals, and after that, Ngātiwai Trust Board had delivered two big bundles of food. Whangārei primary school teacher Katerina Linton, who lives opposite the marae, said that the storm did not damage her home but left her "doomy, gloomy and anxious". She was also upset by the damage to the community hall and for people who had lost their homes in akura.
Community Resilience
The community showed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, with many residents coming together to support each other. About a dozen young men from Punaruku and Mokau got to work clearing slips with chainsaws and shovels, creating a four-wheel-drive track over the top. A digger finished the job on Friday, allowing for the delivery of essential supplies. Maureen Hing, a Punaruku resident, said that locals did not sit back and wait for help to arrive, instead taking initiative to clear the slips and bring in supplies. The community’s ability to come together and support each other was a testament to the strength and resilience of the people of Punaruku.
Climate Change and Preparedness
The storm highlighted the importance of community preparedness and Civil Defence readiness plans in the face of climate change. Paora Glassie believed that climate change was making storms more intense, and that it was essential for each marae and community to have a plan in place, including basic essentials like generators and fuel. He emphasized the need for communities to come together to overcome the challenges posed by climate change and to be prepared for future events. The regional council’s figures showed that 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 level of rainfall is unusual, even for a region that experiences significant summer downpours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent storm that hit Northland’s east coast highlighted the importance of community preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters. The lessons learned from Cyclone Gabrielle three years ago proved invaluable in preparing marae for the recent disaster, and the community’s ability to come together and support each other was a testament to the strength and resilience of the people of Punaruku. As climate change continues to pose a significant threat to communities around the world, it is essential that we learn from the experiences of communities like Punaruku and work towards building more resilient and prepared communities.