Cyclone Gabrielle: Gisborne homes salvaged to minimise waste

Charlotte Phillips (left) and Monique Rofe from Gisborne’s ReStore with a bathtub salvaged from a Category 3 property before demolition.

• Gisborne District Council is working with not-for-profits to reduce waste from demolishing Cyclone Gabrielle-damaged homes.
• Habitat for Humanity is salvaging items like piping, kitchenware, and fixtures for reuse and sale.
• The initiative aims to minimise waste and support the community by repurposing materials from Category 3 homes.

Not-for-profit organisations are working with Gisborne District Council to reduce waste from the demolition of Category 3-rated homes devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Council director of sustainable futures Joanna Noble said Tairāwhiti people endured fear, uncertainty and devastation during and after the cyclone.

“For some, the devastation hit very close to home, turning what were once family homes full of noise and laughter and quiet havens for peaceful retirement into unsafe and unliveable dwellings overnight.

“These dwellings, most of which have since been bought by the council, will be removed and relocated or demolished for safety reasons.”

Meanwhile, the council has been engaging with not-for-profit organisations to help reduce wastage when Category 3 homes are demolished.

“It’s important to us that we try to minimise waste wherever we can,” Noble said. “Partnering with local not-for-profits not only helps us achieve this, but also increases resources for our community.”

Demolition began at the end of October and three not-for-profit organisations were making sure any salvageable items or materials were saved from becoming unnecessary waste.

Piping was taken, a hot water cylinder and kitchenware salvaged, curtains saved and even the bathtub and toilet made it out.

Habitat for Humanity is one of the organisations involved.

Habitat for Humanity central region chief executive Nic Greene says Habitat’s ReStore supports the community in numerous ways.

“Our ReStore not only raises funds that support our mission to build homes, communities, and hope, it also helps divert items from landfill and provides affordable goods for discerning shoppers.

“We’re pleased to be working with Gisborne District Council, helping salvage items that can be repurposed or reused elsewhere.”

Items removed from the homes will be sold at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore at 386 Gladstone Rd.

Store manager Monique Rofe was excited to be collaborating with the council.

“We love being part of the Gisborne community and we have a real connection with our customers – many of whom were impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. We’re proud to support this initiative.”

Removing and demolishing Category 3 homes is a laborious project, and the council was thankful to all the organisations taking time to give back to the community after what the district has gone through in the past few years.

A Category 3 property in the Government’s Future of Severely Affected Land framework is one where the risk from future severe weather events, such as flooding or landslides, cannot be sufficiently mitigated.

This means residents at the property face an intolerable risk to life, making it unsafe for residential use.