As the sun sets on the horrific events of the past week, the title of the 1969 Beetles song ‘Come Together’ sums up exactly how we, as Kiwis, should all be thinking as we each attempt to put one foot in front of the other.

As I write this I cannot help but be preoccupied with the images spinning through my mind that I have caught on Facebook, via text messages from mates around the country as well as the six o’clock news bulletins this week. Scenes of utter destruction that just leave you numb, dumbfounded and asking yourself, is what I am seeing fact, or is this some nightmare I will soon wake from drenched in cold sweat? Unfortunately, this is no state of deep REM sleep, this is very much an abrupt and rude awakening at the hand of dear old Mother Nature.

The storm that made itself known to our shores earlier this week had been watched by those in meteorological circles since its formation late last week in the Coral Sea. The name Gabrielle it was given once it reached tropical cyclone status really did nothing to establish any level of fear within the public. However as early as Tuesday 7 February, Philip Duncan of Weather Watch was already flagging this developing situation off the coast of Northern Queensland as a storm to be very cautious of. As it wobbled its way closer to us the ensemble of predictions from various global institutions became more accurate and synchronised. The realisation began to sink in that we were not going to be spared, we were staring down the barrel of a direct hit. Just how widespread that hit would be I don’t think any of us were prepared for.

Unfortunately, we now find ourselves coming to grips with the inconceivable amount of damage that has been inflicted. Personally, I find the more difficult pill to swallow being the unfathomable realisation that this weather event has truly impacted each of us, reaching all corners of the country. So significant is the aftermath of Gabrielle a national emergency has been declared, a governing state that has only ever been implemented twice before in our history – for the Covid response and the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.

The unfortunate reality we are all beginning to understand and reflect upon, the elephant in the room, is the fact that we now face yet another rebuild of our already battered and bruised community.

The storm has now passed and in a lot of places the sun is out and shining, but the brutality of mustering up yet another dose of courage and resolve is daunting. As Kiwis we are renowned for our dogged determination and unadulterated tenacity. Given the circumstances we find ourselves confronted with, we have to remind each other of these qualities. There is only one way forward here and that is to start digesting that elephant one bite at a time, drenched with a good dash of ‘we will not be broken’ aioli.

Already there is real evidence of that very Kiwi DNA shining through. Search and rescue efforts are quite literally in full flight. A good friend of ours from Pakowhai, near Hastings, described how he and his family ended up marooned atop of their workshop trying to escape the rapidly rising floodwater. He described that in what seemed just minutes, there was all manner of helicopters on the scene rescuing residents from rooftops throughout the district.

With the devastation so fresh in our minds, it is extremely difficult to adjust the grey matter to start thinking about moving forward. But, with full respect for our fallen, that is exactly what we have to do. We have certainly got our work cut out for us, but by joining forces and sharing the tools we have we are stronger and more capable. The old proverb ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ springs to mind.

There is no doubt about it, both the mental and physical toll from the aftermath will affect all of us in various ways. So, as we start the rebuild journey it is a good time to keep an eye on those around us that might just need a little bit of extra support, maybe even a shoulder to cry on. With this in mind I cannot stress strongly enough, if you yourself are feeling the strains and cannot cope, then do not waste any time – reach out immediately to friends, family or the well-known organisations that are equipped to offer a listening ear, assistance and advice (see the detailed list below). There will be those days ahead that will undermine us all, days where the road ahead feels insurmountable, but again I reiterate ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’. Do not feel weak or without options. Instead recognise those feelings as warning signs on the dashboard of life, informing you that it is time to book yourself into the workshop for a little R&M.

God bless us all, please also bless our individual journeys we now find ourselves embarking on, in amongst the united turmoil that surrounds us, and also please bless the Wakas we sail in.

Stay strong New Zealand, together we’ve got this.

If you need welfare assistance during this time, such as food, fuel or medicine, please contact “Here to Help U”. Phone: 0800 568 273 or Heretohelpu.nz

Ministry of Social Development support: Call on 0800 400 100. Open 7am–5pm Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm Saturday, and 8am-1pm Sunday.

If you have health questions, phone Healthline on 0800 611 116. Healthline is staffed by experienced registered nurses 24/7.

If you are feeling distressed, frustrated or anxious or know someone who is struggling, there is free help immediately available:

•   Free call or text 1737 anytime, 24 hours a day. You’ll get to talk (or text) with a trained counsellor completely free of charge.

•   You can also call Lifeline on 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357

Carl Kirkbeck
Field Editor