Remembering cyclone's devastating impact one year on

The adventure playground in Wairoa was covered in silt after the town’s river broke its banks when Cyclone Gabrielle struck last February. File picture by Rebecca Grunwell

A large number of gatherings are being organised to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle’s carnage in Hawke’s Bay, including in Wairoa.

The New Zealand Herald reported that in Hawke’s Bay thousands were expected to come together to mark the one year anniversary of the weather event over the next few weeks.

People have been encouraged to wear black and white on the day.

Eight people died in Hawke’s Bay in the floods and landslides that swept down the hills, and hundreds were evacuated from rooftops, people losing pets, stock, homes and livelihoods. Record rain, high winds and a wave of debris caused widespread power and communications outages.

The Wairoa events will take place on February 14, a year to the day of Cyclone Gabrielle.

They includes a hīkoi of commemoration through some of the worst-hit areas of that district, as well as a minute’s silence, a concert and a special mokopuna day.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said the day was a chance to reflect on the enormous impacts of the disaster and in particular the loss of lives.

“February 14, 2024, is a time to reflect on Cyclone Gabrielle by remembering and learning from the past while also moving forward and acknowledging the progress that we have made,” Mr Little said.

“In Wairoa, our scars are still very raw, and our rebuilding is challenging.”

Wairoa’s strength was its ‘community’, Mr Little said.

“I acknowledge all those people who are supporting our journey to recovery.” — NZ Herald