Message from the mayor

Last month our communities came together to reflect on and acknowledge the one-year anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.

It was a chance to honour those who tragically lost their lives, those who risked their lives in the immediate aftermath of the event to rescue people, pets, livestock and property, and those, who over the days, weeks and months following, provided food and shelter to the thousands without homes.

On February 11 we paid special tribute to those volunteers – we were joined by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell who wanted to share in the occasion, pay their respects, and talk to those who were involved.

Today, people are still providing support to those in need – businesses, government and non-government agencies, emergency services, community groups and individuals, and support services.

On February 14, the date of the cyclone, more than 500 people joined us in Civic Square in Hastings for a commemoration service – families who had lost loved ones, emergency services, first responders, community organisations, industry leaders, individuals and families who had supported and continue to support those most affected.

This was a crisis like nothing any of us had ever experienced and, in the face of such devastation, it can be easy to be overwhelmed or lose hope.

But one year on from this natural disaster, our district continues to recover – helping people who choose to move away from high-risk areas, rebuilding our roads and bridges, moving thousands of tons of silt and debris, supporting our people who are still traumatised.

There is still a great deal of work to do and as a community, with our partners across the region and in Central Government, I have no doubt we will get that work done. We are strong and we will support each other – especially those most affected.

While the memories of Cyclone Gabrielle are still raw, day-by-day through our resilience, our togetherness, and our selfless caring for each other, I know as a united community we will get to the other side of this traumatic event.

28 February 2024

Back to Archive