The Weekend Lifestyler, February 24th 2023

THE WEEKEND LIFESTYLER IS PUBLISHED WITH PRIDE BY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY MEDIA, A PRIVATELY OWNED NORTHLAND COMPANY.

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Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 deb.wright@integrity.nz

Journalists: Ann van Engelen | Liz Clark

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Distribution:

7,780 copies, distributed on Friday to every residential and rural home throughout the district including Whangārei, One Tree Point, Ruakākā, Waipū, Mangawhai, Kaiwaka and Wellsford.

Trucks banned

After multiple truck incidents, Northland Civil Defence has banned truck and trailer units from using the Waipū Cove to Mangawhai route from Monday, February 20.

The route bypasses the closed State Highway One’s slip-damaged Brynderwyn Hills.

Graeme MacDonald, group controller for the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, says despite requests by authorities for truck and trailer units not to use the alternate Waipū Cove to Mangawhai Road route, some had done so. On Monday morning, a

large freight truck got into difficulties on the stretch of road, blocking the alternative route.

Accordingly, Mr MacDonald, pursuant to Section 88, Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002, formally directed that truck and trailer units are now restricted from using the Waipū Cove Road between Mangawhai and Waipū. The ban is effective immediately. ¢

Tax relief for emergencies

u by Andy Bryenton

Disaster-hit businesses affected by the flooding and disruption of last week’s cyclone are urged to contact the Inland Revenue Department to seek assistance.

The IRD released the following official statement urging business owners, including farmers, to take care of urgent matters first, and to contact them immediately afterward to arrange for tax-related aid.

‘If you have been affected, you do not need to contact us right away. Please take the time you need to take care of yourself, your family and your business. When you are able to, please contact us in myIR, including the word ‘flood’ or call us on our disaster line 0800 473 566. We are prioritising our support to our affected customers.’

The IRD indicates that, in a disaster, late payments will be understandable, and penalties and interest may be waived. Instalment plan payments for tax may be able to be arranged, and there are financial relief options available which can write off part of your tax bill.

Additionally, farmers may be eligible to make a late deposit or early withdrawal to the Income Equalisation Scheme or arrange to estimate their provisional tax if an adverse event has likely reduced the amount of tax they will pay this fiscal year. ¢

Support for cyclone victims

u by Andy Bryenton

Several options exist to help those with unexpected extra costs or losses due to Cyclone Gabrielle. You may be eligible for support if you are in a bad situation due to the state of emergency.

The Ministry of Social Development and Work and Income are there to help those who may have no other options. If you have suffered losses or loss of income, that isn’t covered by insurance for things like food, bedding, clothing, appliances or medical bills incurred due to evacuation, they are ready to assist.

‘There are lots of ways we can help, and we can point you in the right direction based on your situation. You don’t have to be on a benefit.

You may have to pay the money back depending on your situation,’ they said in an official statement last Thursday.

Citizens may also qualify for a Civil Defence Payment, which covers similar categories of losses and extra costs. To apply, and learn more about what you may be eligible to receive, call Work & Income on 0800 400 100. They’re open 7am–5pm Monday to Wednesday and 8am–5pm Thursday and Friday. ¢

Team work cleans town Honouring lost heroes

u by Ann van Engelen u by Ann van Engelen

Cleaning up the Waipū township was not a problem when the team at Waipū 2000 Trust and community members joined together.

“When the cyclone hit, it left a trail of debris, and we decided to get it cleaned up,” said Waipū 2000 Trust chairman Graham Boult.

“My daughter Janine put a working bee post on Facebook, and 20 people turned up with trailers and chainsaws. We cleaned two smaller parks, the roadsides where trees had fallen and other places.”

Graham says the team cleared approximately 30 truck and trailer loads of debris.

“While it is the parks and reserves’ problem, they have far too many important things to do, so we decided as a community to sort it together. We had huge broken branches hanging down that could fall at any stage, and we didn’t want people using facilities that were going to be dangerous. We will have another go this weekend to get rid of the balance at Waihoihoi Park.

“Considering we didn’t have cellphone coverage, I think the community has pulled together fantastically. Companies like Northpine sent a team to clear

properties, lifestyle blocks and farms. There has been a lot happening, and people have done really well with looking in on others continually to ensure everyone is OK, especially with the power going in and out.

“I think Northpower is doing a fantastic job restoring power and phones. They are working above and beyond. There will be a lot of very good stories come out of this, and there will also be some tragic, heartrending stories too, but will there be some phenomenal stories of people and communities pulling together.” ¢

Many fire brigade staff around the country honoured the service and sacrifice of Muriwai volunteer firefighters Craig Stevens and Dave van Zwanenberg on Tuesday night after they died due to a landslide.

“At 7.30pm, we formed a guard of honour at the front of the station, the siren sounded, and we held a minute’s silence,” says Wellsford station officer Matt Riley.

“We remembered past members of our brigade as well, as we are very conscious of where we come from. Losing Dave and Craig is extremely tragic. Some of our members had been on courses with them, and Dave was an equine vet working in our area. It feels very close to home as we do the same things as they did. It is a huge blow to their families, their brigade and community. It is tragic and their grief is shared among many people.

“We were in the storm doing the same stuff and we are so grateful that we got to go home. We are here to help our communities, that is what we sign up for, and those guys would never have thought they wouldn't be coming home.

“During this storm, I really noticed how communities have pulled together. We had to attend a house fire and had to cut our way through slips and fallen trees to get to it, but that is our job. It was crazy. We’d jump out of the truck, clear the path and repeat so we could get to the fire.

“Craig and Dave died helping others, working with their teammates. At this time, we are reflecting not only on our colleagues who have left before us but those who continue to do the hard yards in the communities affected by cyclone Gabrielle and the people in those communities coming to grips with the loss and destruction left behind.” ¢

p Jamie and Freya Beaton with Grant Erp and his team from the Waipū Menz Shed cleaning up the parks and roads

p Members of the Wellsford Fire Brigade held a minute’s silence along with other brigades around the country to honour lost brigade members

The heroic road crew

u by Ann van Engelen

For Pam Stringer, being stranded at her property at the foot of the Brynderwyn Ranges, cut off from friends and family, was a terrifying experience until the Fulton Hogan contractors cleared a way to check on her.

“We live out Oneriri, and my mum lives on her farm at the bottom of the Brynderwyns,” says daughter Leanne.

“When the cyclone came, mum was totally cut off, with trees down, sheds and fences demolished and no way out. We have our miniature ponies at her farm and are so pleased we managed to get most to safety before the storm hit. The Brynderwyn road has a massive slip on it now, which took the road and I doubt it will reopen for months.

“They not only jumped in and cleared a path to check on mum, but Mike then visited mum twice a day, took her a gas cooker, eggs, fruit and veggies, and other necessities. Fulton Hogan went above and beyond to ensure she was safe, and Mel gave us both daily text updates and messages.

“We had a plan to get to her on Wednesday, and if we couldn’t, Mike was going to bring her to us. These guys have literally taken a huge risk themselves

“We had power lines down and no cellphone coverage, so we couldn’t contact mum — she was isolated from us for six days. With the roadworks going on, Fulton Hogan stepped up and was absolutely phenomenal. When it first happened, Mel, one of their coordinators, who was working remotely from Okaihau, rang all the residents to check they were OK. She rang our cell that luckily had a small amount of reception, and we explained the situation.”

Mel immediately contacted Mike, the crew manager working on the Brynderwyns.

getting these roads open. It is absolutely insane seeing the slips. One traveller tried to get through from the top, saying he worked at Atlas Quarry, but he didn’t and was actually going to Auckland. The staff had to take him back out. That guy put those staff at risk.

“People going on about no power, and no cellphones, it’s like, dude, we are in a national emergency — these are human beings. They can only do what they can, and I am sure they would rather be home safe with their families.

“Someone said locals have a special pass to go over the Brynderwyns,

and they put on the radio that they are open. I can’t imagine why people give such misinformation and put others in danger. I doubt they will open for months, so I hope these people just stop.

“Northpower has, without a doubt, been working incredibly hard too. I wouldn’t have liked to be out there in that storm. We had desperately been

trying to get to my mum for five days. There is no way we could have got to her, we tried, and it has been very stressful. We are so thankful to the Fulton Hogan contractors — words cannot express how grateful we are.

“My mum has been through a very traumatic time, and our neighbours there have been fantastic with her as well. We are eternally grateful.” ¢

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p Pam Stringer with her rescuer Fulton Hogan crew manager Mike Photo: Leanne Stringer

“My mum has been through a very traumatic time, and our neighbours there have been fantastic with her as well. We are eternally grateful”

A photographer’s view Above and beyond for customers

u by Ann van Engelen u by Ann van Engelen

Eightythreephoto photographer Rory Gatfield took his drone out to capture what the beaches looked like the day after the storm.

“It was calmer and quieter then, although extremely windy and very wet, but Waipū had it a bit easier than other people,” said Rory.

“I wanted to see what damage was done, so I captured Langs Beach, Waipū Cove and Ruakākā. There was a lot of sand movement, and you could see different perspectives than normal. Parts of the beaches are really bad, but I think we have seen that type of damage before, and it mellows out as the sand returns.

“My wife and I focussed on our friends and family during the cyclone and making sure everyone was OK. We were like a lot of people, staying home and keeping out of the rain and wind to be safe.

Rory says they mostly saw a lot of trees down.

“It seems like everywhere you looked, there were trees down and a lot of road damage. I think people behaved during the storm, but I wasn’t out and about

looking at things because it was literally too windy and unsafe to go anywhere.

“It wasn’t nice being outdoors in general, and it’s not worth risking your life because it got to a point where it really was dangerous. The day the wind died down was when I took the opportunity to document what was happening.

“For me, as a photographer, taking photographs is a way to document history as we see it and keep a record for future generations to see what happened then when it is there now.” ¢

In the midst of last week’s catastrophic event, Dean and Alana McCarthny at Waipū Hammer Hardware pulled out all the stops to ensure the community could access supplies.

“Dean and Alana went above and beyond to help us,” says local Janine Boult.

“They were the only ones open when there was no power, and Dean drove to Whangārei to get more supplies. Their eftpos was down, and no money machines were operating. If people had no cash, they processed the sale with the promise of payment. That was an incredible help to many.”

Dean says they knew people needed things, and if they couldn’t provide it — there was nowhere else to go.

“We didn’t see any reason not to open as we are fortunate to have a generator for power,” he said.

“We ran a very high trust model and gave people receipts relying on them to be honest. So far, 75 per cent of people have cleared their accounts. They were getting things like batteries, torches, gas, cooking burners and power units to charge their cellphones.

“We ran out of radios, batteries and gas. I did a trip to Mitre 10 in Whangārei, but they had the same issue we had with what people were

needing and no supplies being able to get through the roads.

“The community were absolutely brilliant, and we very much had the community spirit going on. Everyone understood we were all in the same boat, and we had good chats and helped each other out where we could.

“We are very fortunate when you see the devastation that is happening in Hawke’s Bay and surrounding areas.”

p When the storm died down, Rory Gatfield took the opportunity to document Langs Beach, Mangawhai Heads and Ruakākā Beach with his drone Photo credit: Rory G at eightythreephoto.com

p Dean and Alana McCarthny at Waipū Hammer Hardware supplied people with goods using a trust system for payment

Photo: Janine Boult

Now the storm has passed

u by Liz Clark

With the advent of Cyclone Gabrielle now passed, the assessment of damaged trees and shrubs will be underway.

It’s always heartbreaking to go out after a severe storm and find the garden turned into a bomb site after years of care have gone into establishing trees, shrubs and vegetables. However, take a step back and take time to walk around the property and assess the condition of your trees, shrubs and other plants before making any hasty decisions.

Specimen trees

If you have large specimen trees with broken branches, the first thing you should do is ensure your safety. Stormdamaged branches can fall at any time; also check for exposed utilities such as underground power cables and water mains. If the tree is healthy and vigorous, its chances of recovery are high. Smaller, low-hanging branches can be pruned off. However, if there are higher branches, especially if they are large and already

damaged, a professional arborist should be called in to remove them. An arborist can also advise you if the tree can be saved or will become a hazard. Always treat large storm-damaged trees with extreme caution. If they are too large and a future threat to your home, large trees should be removed.

Shrubs

If you have shrubs that have been wrenched by strong winds, the root systems will be affected. In some cases, the plants may not recover and will need to be replaced. However, in some situations, shrubs and fruit trees can be saved. First, prune off any topheavy growth using a clean pruning saw or loppers depending on the thickness of the branches. Remove any damaged branches and apply wound paste, which will seal the cut and prevent any fungal

infection. Always prune on a fine, dry day. Hammer in some steel tree stakes well clear of the roots and drip zone. Care should be taken to return the shrub or tree to its original position, then secure it to the stakes by tree ties. Place a layer of mulch around the base without touching the trunk. Keep watered and liquid fed to assist with recovery.

Windfall fruit and vegetables

If you have fruit that has been blown off the trees and it is viable to eat, get out the old cookbook or go online for options such as jam, preserves, cakes and other delicious ideas. The same applies to vegetables such as tomatoes and zucchinis. Green tomatoes can be used for chutneys and pickles. Other vegetables, too, can be picked and integrated into various dishes. Look online for recipes and ideas. ¢

Back on the water

u by Ann van Engelen

The Mangawhai Boating Club members and friends didn’t waste any time fixing the estuary pontoon that was damaged in the cyclone.

“I live on top of a hill in a solid spot, and during the storm, the winds from the north were like a freight train hitting the house and the house was shaking,” said Mangawhai Boating and Fishing Club president Mark Newbold.

“The pontoon at the club broke a bit and was floating in the estuary. When we had a calm during the storm, some of the boys went and retrieved it and dragged it to the front of the campground.

“There were grass, weeds and logs washed up the estuary, so when the weather cleared the second time, the boys cleaned it all up. The mayor jumped in as well to help with his digger. The boys then fixed the pontoons themselves

because the insurance was too high. They relied on the expertise of local people who did work on the pontoon before, including people that were part of the big dig back in the 90s, which was pretty cool.

“We assembled it back together on the beach and waited for the tide to come back in to reattach it. To our surprise, a dolphin came and checked it out, which was lovely. We bolted the pontoon back together starting at about 10am, and it was done by 4pm thanks to the great team on the job.

“There is more work to do, but that can wait. The poles were pretty damaged with the rise and fall of the storm and

we will probably have to sleeve them. At this stage, the community still has a lot of power out. We were fortunate to only lose three to four hours on the morning of the first wave, but the second wave destroyed us coming from the west.”

Bryan May, from the Mangawhai Classic Car Club, hopes the upcoming Easter Car Show will help raise funds for the surf club.

“The surf club has had more debris come down behind it, and it is still redstickered,” said Bryan.

“We had a meeting with the surf club and the domain committee, and plan for funds raised at the upcoming

Easter Sunday car show to help with the crisis. Northpower has done a fantastic job under the circumstances. It has not been easy, and they have been risking their lives working, but we are better off than a lot of other communities.

“It was heartbreaking to see the amount of debris and logs. People cut up logs taking them away on private trucks, and the mayor really stepped up. He has been a great leader and a figurehead of the community.

“People didn’t see what he has been up to. He was there for us, driving the digger and supplied blocks to stabilise the boat ramp. He and his wife were up. ¢

p Mayor Craig Jepson continually worked on his digger to clear areas in Mangawhai of storm debris p Volunteers retrieved the broken pontoon from the estuary and dragged it up to the campground

Defenders against disaster

u by Andy Bryenton

The recent onslaught of Cyclone Gabrielle has highlighted the importance of all our rescue services working together and the need for a plan that can turn a chaotic situation around.

Under the Beehive in Wellington sits the National Crisis Management Centre, our own version of the impervious command bunkers often seen in dramatisations of war and disaster. This facility is built to withstand a level-10 earthquake and has independent water, air and power supplies as well as its own hardened IT network. From here, rescue and emergency teams can be coordinated to work as one, as we have seen in west Kaipara last week with army, police, fire brigade, surf life savers and other first responders seamlessly cooperating.

However, much of Civil Defence’s work happens on the ground, out in communities far from this central hub. A lot of that work is about preparedness rather than reaction, too. Civil Defence has a broad mission to ensure people are ready for the kind of wild weather and unpredictable natural events that could strike New Zealand, which have done so in recent weeks with alarming effect.

The early origins of Civil Defence come from a more military background, with plans made to secure the nation against enemy attack during the first and second world wars. In 1959 local

authorities ceded their welfare and rescue powers to a central Ministry of Civil Defence.

The storm of 1968, which sank the ferry Wahine, the Abbotsford, Dunedin landslip of 1979, and Cyclone Bola in 1988 all saw amendments and improvements to the way Civil Defence operates. Today, the organisation provides valuable information about how to plan ahead for disasters, what to do in an emergency, and resources to coordinate an efficient response when events like last week’s cyclone cause havoc across the nation. In the aftermath, it has been reckoned that Cyclone Gabrielle was on a par with Bola as one of the most destructive storms in living memory.

Civil Defence swung into action when Cyclone Gabrielle hit. Its assistance in coordinating a response saved lives and helped people get through flooding, downed trees and evacuation emergencies. Its website is a valuable resource for planning ahead and suggests making a checklist to plan for future emergencies. Visit civildefence. govt.nz for practical advice on preparing for natural hazards and disasters.

There is even a Civil Defence supported fund to help people financially affected by the recent cyclone. Help with medical costs, clothing, bedding, food and appliance replacements is at hand for those in need. It will be administered via Work and Income, even for those who do not receive pensions or benefits of any kind. Call Work and Income on 0800 400 100 to apply.

p Civil Defence team members from Canterbury have come to help Kaipara, showing the power of its coordination and skills base

The force behind recovery

u by Andy Bryenton

When disaster strikes, the investment made in insurance premiums suddenly becomes a lifeline to re-establishing normality, but there are plenty of other industries which can help.

Insurance for disasters goes back to the very earliest times. The first insurance contract against flooding was found on a clay monument in Babylon, where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers would periodically inundate the land. Then, as now, insurers played a key role in restoring livelihoods, homes and property.

However, there are many other ways local tradespeople and industries can offer advice and help after an emergency. Many proved their mettle in this latest cyclone by swinging into action alongside first responders and volunteers. When high tides threatened, and debris blocked access, farmers, builders, construction and hire firms were just some of the professionals who unlocked their machinery and drove it into battle against the elements.

In the clean-up phase, some industries will be stretched with tricky situations. Arborists are in hot demand to prune back, remove or manage toppled trees, and do so without disrupting power

supplies. Those who had a close call this past week may be looking at tilted trees or branches near power lines and putting them on the agenda for a visit from the tree surgeons.

Flooding hits flooring first, and there will be many households and businesses across the region seeking to dry out and repair carpets and vinyl. Flooring companies know the threshold between salvageable surfaces and the necessity for a new start, and many will have tips to help get rid of storm-related damp and stains safely.

In extreme cases, there may be damage to your home or property requiring the attention of a builder or even an engineer. New or improved retaining walls, repairs to outdoor paths and driveways, or even structural repairs or roofing are all commonplace after a storm of the magnitude we have just weathered. While insurance companies can help to pay for the damage, and the Earthquake Commission also helps with disaster rebuilds, there will be a great

need for the skill of licensed builders in the coming weeks and months, not to mention the acumen of plumbers, electricians and drainlayers.

The message from all of these industries is clear and supportive; we are there to help you, and we will work with your insurance company to make things

right. After a storm of unprecedented power, it may take a little time to see everyone. Be patient with those who stand ready to help, be good to your friends and neighbours, and keep up the community spirit which saw such deeds of generosity and bravery during the height of the cyclone.

Providing comfort with showers

Dene and Alan Calvert at Waipū Village Motel said they weren’t hit very badly by Cyclone Gabrielle, except for 20 hours of loss of power and being short on guests.

“Apart from a neighbour’s tree taking out our garden shed, we had minor damage,” says Dene.

“Other people, however, needed help and were coming to use our laundromat. One day we realised they needed a shower as well, so we opened up one of our units for people to freely use. We are a community, and when times are tough, the community pulls together.

“I think the cyclone has been quite a humbling experience and a testimony to the resilience and the generosity of our locals, and I suspect this is true of most Kiwis. We felt our offer was very little, very late, but people have been so kind with their responses.

“Some who have come for showers have actually showered us with gifts. Everyone has been positive about their

Kaiwaka’s chainsaw gang

u by Ann van Engelen

With the amount of trees that came down causing an intense amount of issues, people joined forces with chainsaws in hand to solve the problem when possible.

Kaiwaka residents Peter Buckley and Greg Cullen were two such people clearing roads.

“Oneriri was hammered. There were trees across the road everywhere, so a few locals started cutting and clearing them for people to get in and out,” says Peter.

Peter and the team noted how challenging the conditions were to work in and that safety was paramount.

situations, and their resourcefulness is amazing. Not a moaner in sight. One lovely local lady called in with a big bag of toiletries for anyone in need. Unfortunately, I was down at the shops when she stopped by, so I was unable to thank her properly.

“The kindness and thoughtfulness just goes on and on.” ¢

Providing whānau safety and kai

u by Ann van Engelen

For the second storm in a row, the Wellsford Community joined together and not only helped their own but people travelling who were cut off in all directions.

“It has been absolutely magical how the community came together,” said MP based in Kaipara ki Mahurangi Marja Lubeck.

“We had a lot more rain than expected, and again, the volunteers stepped up at the Wellsford Community Centre and made a place of safety. There are too many people to mention. At one stage, 65 people stayed the night and dinner was cooked for more than 200 thanks to Good News Church.

“We had stranded travellers again with roads around Wellsford closed. With the power out, people on tank water had no running water, no Internet and no cell coverage. We were like an isolated island, and the centre became a hub. People were able to sleep, eat, recharge their cellphones and meet new people.

“Council delivered airbeds, linen and water. Businesses, schools and groups donated food. IAG arrived to help with insurance claims, the Ministry of Social Development assessed needs for food and housing support, and the Wellsford Railway Station opened up, and the church cooked food.

“The army sent us Catherine, our very own GI Jane, and our local policeman Anthony has been invaluable to us. We have had a lot of devastation, and the rural community has really been hit with farmers milking by hand and milk being thrown out.

“Communities have pulled together incredibly well. There was high anxiety, with many elderly couples feeling isolated and lonely. It was great to see them making new friends. Some people have really discovered that community spirit puts faith back in humanity.” ¢

“The teams cleared tree after tree, and we pulled a huge trunk off the road. Facebook has been quite a saving grace, but it has negative people causing unnecessary stress. A guy complained he wanted to see the waves at Mangawhai. Others moaned the shops weren’t open for coffee. It’s amazing how selfish some people have been, but when those same people are in trouble, they are the ones who yell for help.

“It’s bad enough that some businesses had to open when staff wanted to be home saving their stock and checking on their families. One

lady said, ‘I feel sorry for the people trapped’, while another lady said ‘locals have special passes to go over the Brynderwyns’.

“What a load of lies people come up with — it’s not passable. It hurt knowing people were stranded, and the road workers had to deal with people turning up to cross because some know it all, think they know it all — when they know nothing.

“Kaiwaka Revival Church was great, supplying hot drinks and meals and Beth Stone and others organised help too. The bad has sucked, but the good has been very good.”

A unified effort

u by Ann van Engelen

The Rapid Relief Team was out in communities across the region, helping with placing sandbags, evacuating community members and supplying food to people in need.

“It is a privilege to help and a perfect fit with our mission: To serve people with care and compassion in their time of need,” says director Danny Blampied.

“Rapid Relief is a global charity with locations located in the main centres of New Zealand. Volunteers are largely drawn from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church. We work alongside many charities with excellent set-ups such as the Red Cross.

“As the floods came up, there was a need for evacuation, sandbags, helping the fire department and food. In Wellsford, we delivered 100 food boxes. They are our flagship product, and we provide thousands throughout the country each year through good times and bad.

“Our team puts everything into what they do. We see people who have fallen on tough times, desperate and in tears. Being a small part of making it easier for them is important to us.

“When we offer our services, organisations tell us what they need,

and we follow through. If it is 30 meals, they are delivered — if it is sandbags like Dargaville needed, we are on deck. We want to give people a sense of hope, and one thing we get surprised at is the amount of people who do things to bring community together.

“Our communities will be OK here, people have an innate ability to rise above things, and our hearts go out to people who have been seriously affected. Losing property is one thing, but losing loved ones is another, and we send our condolences to anyone who has lost a loved one.” ¢

p Holly Tomkin, with her six-month-old twins Ashton and Xavier, were one family who appreciated being able to use the bathroom facilities at the Waipū Village Motel

p Volunteers at the Wellsford Community Centre, Justine, Shar, Jolene, Deejay and Kaipara ki Mahurangi-based MP Marja Lubeck

p Rapid Relief Team leader Harry Brodie handing over the food boxes to the Wellsford community volunteers for distribution

p Greg Cullen was one of many people out on the roads clearing trees and debris

A new high tide mark

u by Ann van Engelen

KidsCan has launched an urgent appeal to help thousands of children whose lives have been upended by Cyclone Gabrielle and are in desperate need of help.

“The charity is asking people to donate $15, or what they can afford, to help overwhelmed teachers support traumatised children as they return to school,” says CEO Julie Chapman.

Valued supporters of the charity’s programmes in early childhood centres, Graeme and Robyn Hart have donated $500,000 to kickstart the appeal. KidsCan supports more than a thousand schools and early childhood centres nationwide with food and clothing, with the majority in the hardest-hit regions.

“Children will start returning to schools in flood-hit regions this week traumatised from their experiences in the cyclone. With homes in ruins, school will be their safe place. We are sending food, jackets, and shoes to replace those lost in the floods and bracing for a sudden and significant rise in need with so many livelihoods lost. We urge anyone who can to donate so we can help wrap communities in support.”

The charity will also be helping displaced families in Auckland, Northland, Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti to start again.

“With support from The Warehouse Group, Big Save Furniture and Fisher and Paykel, we will provide beds, bedding, whiteware, furniture and household items to at least 100 families who have lost everything.

“As well as supporting children at school with the essentials, we want to help some families get back on their feet. It’s incredibly distressing for a child to be forced from their home, so we want to help them back into a bedroom full of new things as soon as possible.”

To donate visit 15forfloods.co.nz. ¢

The power of sharing

u by Ann van Engelen

Mangawhai people showed true community spirit when they saw people needed showers, a place to stay, somewhere to charge their cellphones and cleaning needed to be done.

“The community has been amazing opening their doors and letting people know what houses were available if anyone needed a shower, the Internet, or to charge their phones,” says local artist Samantha Minnery.

“People even opened their homes for others to stay in, and they really got involved with the emergency services. When the surf club rescue ramp eroded, a team was there very quickly to repair the ramp. They moved rocks back in place and secured it. I was amazed at how fast the job was done.

“We have the Mangawhai Art Trail this weekend, and thankfully it can still go ahead. I live near the estuary, and we have lost the use of the boardwalk and other walking tracks too. It is such a shame as the trackies have spent so long working on them for people to

enjoy. The one here at the estuary was so beautiful.

“The tide was extremely high, and there was so much rain the water couldn’t drain away. We never had a low tide at all during the storm. The actual boardwalk is metres above the water line and was fully submerged, so much so that there was fish stranded on it that people rescued.

“I think a lot of people totally underestimate the power of water and the damage it can do.” ¢

u by Ann van Engelen

“I got the last Waiheke ferry before the ferries cancelled to get to the wedding, and I managed to get home on the Wednesday morning,” says Kirsty.

“It was a real experience at Waiheke, the ocean was crazy, and it wasn’t a pleasant ride coming back. I have heard amazing things about the Northpower guys working 16-hour days to get everything done. Not just the linesmen but the IT guys too. The guys on the road clearing the slips have been working tirelessly too.

“It is beautiful how the community pulls together. Since the storm passed, my sons and I have been going to the beach picking up rubbish that has washed up. It is incredible to see that the dunes are just gone and are now massive cliffs of sand. The ones by NIWA are a good five-metre drop, and the stairs in several spots have gone, so it is difficult to access the beach.

Urgent appeal to help children Beach rubbish overload

“When we had a couple of days of beautiful weather, we couldn’t go in the water because it was contaminated with wastewater, and there were lots of dead kai moana too. It was full of brown foam on the water’s edge.

“At Christmas, high tide was going up to our sand dune, and with the dunes gone, we have a lot more beach space now. I took the photo down at the racecourse to show the high tide mark and how much beach we have gained. It is quite amazing to see.” ¢

u by Ann van Engelen

Ruakākā resident and Bream Bay Coastal Care Trust committee member Cheryl Laurie swung into action and called for a working bee when she saw the amount of plastic washed up at the beach estuary.

“I often walk the estuary, and after easterly or southeasterly winds, a lot of debris accumulates, and this time we had a plastic overload,” says Cheryl.

“I put a call out on Facebook for help, and about 15 locals arrived. Marsden Metals came and kindly provided a skip for the rubbish. One of the large objects they recovered was a huge synthetic ship’s rope, so we have saved a lot of small fibres going back into the ocean.

“Plastics break up, and it is known that wildlife eat it thinking it is food. They are now finding microplastic in the flesh of fish, so it is really important to remove rubbish from our beaches.”

The most common items found are cigarette lighters, bottle tops, broken fishing lines and plastic, of all descriptions, including bait bags.

“We did nine loads of rubbish, and Marsden Metals kindly disposed of it.

There is still a lot of plastic there, and it will wash out to sea and back on to the beaches in the next storm, so this is a good opportunity to remove it before it travels again.

“I would love to form a response group that can help after an easterly storm and clean up because it stays in the estuary while the tide is at an even level, but as soon as you get a big tide or storm surge, it washes out again.

“I am so grateful for the help I received — I can’t thank everyone enough.” ¢

Ruakākā photographer Kirsty Joy Halliday was stuck on Waiheke Island after photographing a wedding when the storm struck.

p Kirsty and her boys have been helping to collect rubbish on Ruakākā Beach

p Community members fixing the damaged Mangawhai Heads Surf Life Saving Club ramp

p KidsCan founder and CEO Julie Chapman helping a child with a new jacket in the past

p Nine bin loads of plastic rubbish were cleared from the Ruakākā estuary by a group of volunteers

Kaiwaka shearer’s success

u by Paul Campbell

Kaiwaka shearer Dane Phillips, a former junior Golden Shears champion, is continuing on his winning ways at the age of 32, and most recently featured at Paparoa, winning an open-final at an age many would see as the prime-time of his woolshed life.

“When Dane was 17 years old, he was one of two Kaiwaka shearers who won the coveted Golden Shears titles in Masterton in the space of barely an hour,” said Shearing Sports New Zealand’s Doug Laing.

“Dane won a six-man junior shearing final, less than an hour before Kaiwaka brothers Tane and Toa Henderson were first and second in the senior final.”

At the recent Paparoa Show, Dane won a 12-sheep open final beating rivals Phil Wedd of Silverdale, and Neville

Osbourne, of Dargaville. “He said that when he won his Goldies title in 2008, he was still learning to shear and went chasing sheep to shear in New Zealand and Australia rather than chasing the competition shows.

“As Northland shearing recovered from having no competitions last season, with the Covid-19 cancellation of all of its entire A&P show circuit, Dane was runner-up to Toa Henderson at the Whangarei A&P Show in December.

“As for the 2023 Golden Shears, there is work to be done. He is now at Lochinver Station, between Taupō and Napier working, and expects to be back in time for the February 24 Taumarunui Shears.”

Other finals at Paparoa were won by Kaiwaka-based Tama Nahona, from Whanganui, in the senior grade, veteran Rex Finlayson, of Kai Iwi Lakes, in the intermediate grade, and Gus Berger, of Ahuroa, in the junior grade.

“Close mate and number one Northland shearer of the moment, Toa

Henderson was away in the central North Island at Aria, in the King Country, where he Toa scored an important win over Hawke’s Bay-based multiple champion Rowland Smith, who grew-up in Northland.

“Dane then headed to Aria as well, making the semi-final and a confidence-boosting 11th place in a field of 20 that included two world champions and six world record shearers. Dane claimed victory by over two points.” ¢

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p Kaiwaka shearer Dane Phillips as a 17-year-old, winning the Golden Shears Junior shearing title

Photo: Pete Nikolaison

p Dane Phillips (far left), in 2008, sporting the coveted red ribbon of victory

Photo: Pete Nikolaison

PUZZLE TIME

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 After, 4 Spur of the moment, 14 Tough, 15 Droop, 16 Misfortune, 17 Match, 19 Son, 20 Liberal, 21 Manifesto, 22 Secret, 25 Advancing, 27 Aboard, 28 Jammed, 33 Upholstery, 35 Run, 36 Stuffy, 37 Trio, 39 Eat, 41 Plagues, 42 Gloves, 43 Primitive, 44 Irish, 45 Footstep, 50 Pa, 51 Magician, 55 Drama, 58 Melbourne, 59 Radius, 60 Tidiest, 61 Gas, 63 Sake, 64 Shelve, 65 Lea, 66 Leadership, 68 Denial, 69 Frosty, 71 Efficient, 76 Meagre, 77 Heartbeat, 79 Perplex, 81 Tie, 84 Exude, 85 Tomfoolery, 86 Alloy, 87 Outer, 88 The back of beyond, 89 Steep.

DOWN: 2 Fervid, 3 Erode, 5 Prim, 6 Refrain, 7 Forbid, 8 House, 9 Maestro, 10 Mime, 11 Nutmeg, 12 Quest, 13 Shunned, 14 Thermal, 18 Harassment, 23 Screw, 24 Triumph, 26 Drought, 27 Amnesia, 29 Martini, 30 Apollo, 31 Gravy, 32 Africa, 34 Yolk, 36 Strip, 38 Ocean, 40 Mini, 45 Fumes, 46 Oilskin, 47 Slow, 48 Earthy, 49 Range, 50 Parsley, 52 Guidelines, 53 Crimson, 54 Austin, 55 Declare, 56 Ideal, 57 Lull, 62 Cabin, 67 Manager, 68 Destroy, 70 Sceptic, 72 Frailty, 73 Trough, 74 Absorb, 75 Remove, 76 Melts, 78 Romeo, 80 Pilot, 82 Kerb, 83 Grin.

Insert the missing letters to complete ten words — five across the grid and five down. More than one solution may be possible.

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