Colin Skudder (right) transports electrian Hone Welsh and kai coordinator Claudia Maaka between Tokomaru Bay and Te Puia Hospital in his side-by-side - the only way in. Photo: Supplied
Nurses at Te Puia Springs Hospital are taking a hair-raising farm buggy ride in rugged terrain get to their shifts.
Local farmer Colin Skudder has specially cut a track across his farm to ferry nurses, technicians and other hospital workers from Tokomaru Bay to the hospital.
"It's bumpy, it's sideways, it's through water, it's through mud," he said.
The hospital has been cut off from the bay, where many staff live.
The new path follows an old stock track that he cleared of Mānuka and other debris with the help of a bulldozer.
It was rough, with creek crossings and drop-outs that were too much for even a ute - and the passengers have to endure it for 15 to 20 minutes.
"They're scared. But excited. Once we get over the other side they can't stop talking about their trip over the hill," he said.
The nurses stay for about four nights at the hospital, run by Ngati Porou Hauora, before making the return journey.
That was helping to keep the track safe, as well as limiting the amount of time they have to make the gnarly journey.
Flooding between Tokomaru Bay and Ruatoria on Monday. Photo: RNZ / Kate Green
Colin and other drivers were initially taking three buggies over at a time but now just go in single trips - and have a timetable.
They were also taking vital supplies, making about 50 trips so far.
Ngati Porou Oranga general manager Rose Kahaki is based at Te Puia.
The hospital still has no outside power but now has water thanks to a second generator, flown in by chopper, that means water can be pumped from the broken pipes to a tank.
The hospital's own generator, a "beautiful old lady," was powerful but has been getting rickety, Kahaki said.
The track cut across a farm to ferry nurses, technicians and other hospital workers from Tokomaru Bay to the hospital. Photo: Supplied
It overheats so they are giving it a rest during the day to allow it to keep the lights on overnight.
Kahaki said patients were noticing little difference day to day now, apart from the regular helicopter supply drops which were quite exciting.
Tokomaru Bay civil defence lead Lillian Tehau-Ward said the community had banded together to help with an incredible response, with Skudder's contribution invaluable.
"We're not a community that will lie down and accept anything. We are a community that will use number eight ingenuity to work things out," she said.
All three people said the response had made the already close community even closer.
Alerts from the National Emergency Management Agency for 20 February
- Keep up to date with advice from your local CDEM Group or from civildefence.govt.nz
- Floodwaters may be full of sewage, chemicals and other hazardous materials and should be avoided as much as possible
- Floodwater can carry bacteria that can contaminate food
- Protect yourself when cleaning up flood water and mud by wearing a properly fitted P2- or N95-rated mask, goggles, gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and gumboots or work shoes
- Throw away all food and drinking water that has come in contact with floodwater
- Do not eat garden produce if the soil has been flooded
- In power outages use torches instead of candles, and only use camp cookers and BBQs outdoors.
- Conserve water where you are advised to
- Check the location of pipes and cables before you dig; see Chorus' Before You Dig website and beforeudig.co.nz for all utilities
- The best way to assist in the response is through financial donations and NOT through donated goods.