Waikohu Civil Defence public information manager Nicky-Marie Kohere-Smiler with Charity Rutene at Te Karaka Area School. Goods have been donated from as far afield as Northland and Taranaki. Photo: Rebecca Grunwell / Gisborne Herald
A newly formed Civil Defence team working long hours to support affected whānau in Te Karaka are staying positive despite seemingly endless need in their community.
Waikohu Civil Defence is based out of Te Karaka Area School, serving an area that was particularly hard hit by Cyclone Gabrielle.
The only confirmed death in Tairāwhiti so far, that of 64-year-old John Coates, occurred in the township of 500.
Takipū Marae on the outskirts of Te Karaka was also badly affected by the floodwater.
Waikohu Civil Defence public information manager Nicky-Marie Kohere-Smiler said she was holding it together for now, but finding out about what had happened to the marae was "one of the biggest blows".
"I kind of suppress all of that for now, and then when it's all over, I'll have a cry and a big kai."
For Kohere-Smiler, days begin at 8am with a team meeting before her crew addresses the community at 9am with any updates from overnight.
Throughout the day, her and a group of around 20 volunteers redistribute supplies and make sure the basic needs of the community are met.
All goods have been donated and Kohere-Smiler says her team has been overwhelmed by the generosity of contributions from as far afield as Hāwera and Northland.
A truck removes belongings discarded on the roadside in Te Karaka this week. The small town of 500, about half an hour from Gisborne, was particularly hard hit by Cyclone Gabrielle. Photo: Rebecca Grunwell / Gisborne Herald
The days are long and there aren't many breaks.
"Last night I was still answering messages ... I think I went to sleep at about 12.
"The night before, I went to sleep at half past one," she said.
"I think it's the same for the rest of our team."
It isn't the first rodeo for Waikohu Civil Defence, who were active during Cyclone Bola, but Kohere-Smiler says much of the team are new as of last year.
Their first planned hui for this year was set for 14 February, the day after the cyclone began causing havoc in the region, but was brought forward to 12 February once the forecast raised alarm bells.
While there is no end in sight for the issues affecting the township, Kohere-Smiler will be there until the last need is met.
"As long as we have whānau here, the Civil Defence will be activated."
Local Democracy Reporting is Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
New National Emergency Management Agency advice
- Heavy rain could cause further flooding, landslides, and damage to roads in regions impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
- Put safety first. Act quickly if you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
- Have grab bags ready with: medications, snacks, water, torches, pet food, and baby formula (if needed) in case you need to evacuate.
- Plan where you will go if you have to evacuate
- Ensure that you have enough food, water, and other essential supplies to last for several days.
- Stay up to date with the latest information from MetService and your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.
- Wear protective clothing when cleaning flood water and mud including: mask, goggles, gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and gumboots or work shoes.