Hawke's Bay residents affected by flooding are still waiting for permission to rebuild their homes, causing financial and emotional strain.
Those with category 3 homes have begun participating in a first of its kind 50/50 cost-sharing voluntary buyout agreement between councils and the Government for Cyclone Gabrielle-affected properties.
However category 2A residents are in limbo, awaiting approval for crucial flood protection measures before they can rebuild their homes.
Eskdale resident Danielle Kendrick told 1News she missed her Pohutukawa Drive neighbourhood so much.
"We were always walking around down the street, and the kids were going up and down on scooters," she said.
“Crap, just the one word to describe it, we're still in temp accommodation with our displacement insurance about to run out, so I'm looking at moving into our garage with my three kids."
Financial struggles amidst prolonged uncertainty
The prolonged wait is taking a toll on families, both emotionally and financially.
Jayde Demanser said: "It's hard because we just didn't expect to be in this position for this long."
Displacement insurance is running out for some families relying on temporary accommodation.
Hayle Greg from Pohutukawa Drive also reflected on the economic challenges.
"We are pulling pennies from everywhere, robbing Peter to pay Paul to be able to give the kids a decent birthday and Christmas this year."
Government funding and ongoing solutions
Hawke's Bay Regional Council secured over $200 million from the Government for flood protection. Despite potential solutions identified by the Whirinaki Resilience Project Group in early September, many residents are still awaiting results.
In a statement, Hawke's Bay Regional Council's chief executive Nic Peet said they're working through issues with the local roading network, but he's confident the community will have an update next week.
“The land categorisation process is extremely complex, involving examination of potential water flows, land contours and the relationship of these to the properties where people live and sleep. In some locations the work has been straightforward and able to be completed in just a few months. In others it is far more complicated and is still under way.”
Voluntary buyout process brings hope
For residents in category 3 whose homes couldn't be saved, a voluntary buyout process offers a glimmer of hope. Gus Charteris, Hastings Council cyclone recovery manager, said the meetings had progressed with 27 meetings held and 70 more scheduled in the coming weeks.
A dedicated office in Hastings is processing sales, with property owners completing four main steps in the buyout process, with real-time tracking monitoring how the region is progressing.
The four key steps are:
1. Exchange general property information information and options
2. Valuation, either a council valuation or independent
3. Offer phase
4. Completion phase, accept or decline
With Christmas approaching, the council aims to complete some buyouts, offering relief to those in the voluntary buyout process. However, for those still waiting, the holiday season remains uncertain.
Jayde Demanser shares the collective sentiment for property 2A residents of Pohutukawa Drive.
"The best Christmas present for us would be to have answers, have a direction, have a way forward."
As the Hawke's Bay community yearns for resolution, the return home for Christmas remains uncertain.
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