Cyclone Gabrielle recovery in Northland to continue until 2030, report says

Cyclone Gabrielle was the largest emergency Northland has faced in a generation, according to a recovery report released by Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management.

Titiro Whakamuri, Kōkiri Whakamua, is the final report into the most extensive recovery effort in the 25-year history of the Northland CDEM group, and some of the recovery work – especially rebuilding roads – will likely continue to 2030 and beyond, said group recovery manager Mark Trüdinger.

“This report therefore documents what has been done, and some of what is yet to come,” he said.

The report also reflects the “chaotic nature” of disaster recovery, which support from both government and non-government agencies being patchy, Trudinger said.

“At times in this recovery, it has felt like Northland was slightly forgotten. At other times, the level of support simply reflected that we weren’t as affected as other regions. And other times, the support received felt like an embarrassment of riches.”

CDEM’s approach during the recovery acknowledged that marae and community groups know their communities best, but may need some help in co-ordinating with other groups, or securing funding, he said.

The cyclone in February 2023 was just the third time a National State of Emergency was declared in New Zealand.

Dargaville was especially hit by Cyclone Gabrielle, with flooding leading to evacuations over three days. Mangawhai was then hit by a severe weather event on February 24.

These events had many significant features around Northland, some of them record-breaking:

Major impacts included damage to State Highway 1 between Northland and Auckland, with access to the region significantly restricted for some days, impacting food and fuel access.

There were 450 council roads directly impacted across the region, including 183 roads temporarily requiring full closure.

The 112-page report details the recovery - including the millions of dollars spent in Northland, with a focus on community wellbeing, critical infrastructure, rural support and marae preparedness.

The report is available online and print copies can be ordered through Northland Regional Council.

Trüdinger said while Cyclone Gabrille is well past for some people, for others there are outstanding issues with insurance, housing, children being scared of rain events, and more.

“As Northland CDEM chair Kelly Stratford says in her mihi mihi to this report, we acknowledge those who are still feeling the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle. We also acknowledge the other regions who were affected by last year’s weather events,” he said.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in this recovery to date, and everyone who contributed stories for this report. I think this document truly shows that civil defence is all of us.”

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.