Online survey time frame extended so people can share Cyclone Gabrielle experiences

A car juts out of the silt at a Shaw Road house in Esk Valley in February after Cyclone Gabrielle wreaked havoc. People are sharing their experiences of the cyclone in an online survey that will contribute to an independent review. Hawke’s Bay Today picture

More time will be allowed for people to share their Cyclone Gabrielle experiences with an independent review panel.

“Following our request just over a week ago for Hawke’s Bay communities and mana whenua to anonymously share their experiences and their views on the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) response to Cyclone Gabrielle, we have now received almost 1000 responses to the online survey,” CDEM independent review panel lead Mike Bush said in a media statement.

“This overwhelming response highlights the critical importance of capturing community and mana whenua views as part of our ongoing review process.

“Our panel is making good progress on the independent review, and over the coming weeks we will be continuing with our community and mana whenua engagement programme to ensure a range of peoples’ experiences and opinions are reflected in the final report.

“We are working hard to deliver a final report to the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Joint Standing Committee by the end of March 2024, and remain on track to do so.

“This week we have decided to extend the time frame for the community survey, enabling it to remain open through until January 15, 2024.

“We will also be investing some additional time and resources to ensure we undertake a robust and meaningful engagement process for whānau and communities across Te Matau-a-Māui Hawke’s Bay.

“We also wish to acknowledge and thank those impacted residents who have already responded to the survey, including those who have shared their deeply personal experiences relating to the Cyclone Gabrielle response.

“Revisiting these events and the trauma related to the cyclone will be challenging for some and, as an important reminder, there is support available to those who may need it: hbemergency.govt.nz/cyclone-gabrielle-review/where-to-get-help.

“Finally, if you haven’t already, our short and simple online survey can be completed by visiting feedback.askyourteam.com/CBqcR2c.”