Cyclone Gabrielle: Hawke's Bay community remembers and unites

One year since the night that shook the East Coast to its core. A night that brought tragedy and resilience to the forefront of our communities. As the region comes together to remember the lives lost, numerous council and community events have taken place, uniting the people in reflection and solidarity.

Early morning gatherings served as a poignant reminder of the community's strength.

Pereri King from Tangoio set the emotional tone with a heartfelt song, expressing gratitude for the love that binds the community together. Residents spoke candidly about the shared struggles, finding solace in facing challenges collectively.

In Esk Valley, a once-silt-filled church was filled with the community. A plaque was unveiled, and a tree was planted, symbolising hope for growth and strength in the face of adversity.

Event co-organiser and Esk Valley Local Ashlee Gale said the day was heavy.

“It's been a very long but also quick year, we've been through a lot, counselling our children through it but also counselling ourselves through it. It's almost too much to process even 12 months on, but we've gained more than we've lost,” Gale said.

Survivors shared their experiences, with some finding healing in the community gatherings, while others acknowledged the lingering rawness of the pain. The collective sentiment was one of solidarity as the community navigated the emotional complexities of the past year.

First responders, including nurses, recounted the overwhelming challenges faced at Hawke's Bay Hospital's Emergency Department during the cyclone's aftermath.

Emergency department nurse Sharon Payne explained how the department faced that day.

“On the Tuesday we got a phone call from ambulance control to say we were getting 50 people that were in the water. At that point we decided we were full inside so we were going to set this area up as a triage area so we set this area up with a computer and waited.

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“They were cold, they were wet, they were old,” Payne said.

Wreaths were solemnly laid in memory of the lives lost, accompanied by messages of remembrance adorned a memorial wall, underscoring the strength and unity that emerged from the tragedy.