In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle's destruction, once-silt-filled fields in Hawke's Bay are blossoming into vibrant tourist attractions — thanks to expansive sunflower crops.
Beyond the visual spectacle the golden blooms bring joy to visitors.
Farms have been transformed into a sea of golden heads, nodding in the breeze and showcasing the beauty that has become a draw for locals and holidaymakers alike.
Amidst the sunflower fields, various initiatives, including free sunflower yoga classes, are helping the community heal.
Havelock North sunflower farm owner Jonathan Baxter said you can't resist smiling while looking at a sunflower.
"Some people walk out waving their sunflowers about. One even told me it's a dream come true to walk amongst a sunflower field. So, yeah, you can't be happier than that," he said.
From devastation to sunflower haven
Across town in Puketapu, the sunflower fields are not just a picturesque attraction; they stand for resilience after Cyclone Gabrielle's devastation.
The 8-hectare farm was once covered in metres-deep silt after the cyclone. Around 100,000 sunflowers have now been planted proving a hit with locals and holidaymakers.
Visitors highlighted the positive impact of the sunflower fields — from putting smiles on faces to enchanting children with throngs of bumblebees.
The property was left underwater by the February cyclone, and the owners had to wait on their roof to be rescued.
The farm owner's granddaughter Paige McCarthy told 1News it was amazing to see the land in use.
"During the flood, we were on the phone with my grandparents as they were getting on the roof but we lost contact with them; the water came up to the gutters on the roof and they got rescued off there at roughly 11.30," she said.
"I love seeing the sunflowers now, seeing everyone come in and enjoy it and get rid of the bad year that we just passed," McCarthy said.
For a gold coin donation, visitors can also pick a sunflower stem to take home.
Crude Food and farm manager Gareth McCarthy said all money raised goes towards a community garden also on-site, providing fresh produce to families struggling with the cost of living.
"A lot of families over the past weeks have been coming in, and a lot of kids. I had a few kids in tears last week because they're having fresh fruit for dinner."
It is hoped that the sunflowers will contribute to the rejuvenation of once-perfect farmland and uplift the Hawke's Bay spirit in the process.
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