Cyclone Gabrielle Stories – Under the Weather

UNDER THE WEATHER PODCAST14 FEBRUARY 2023

The heart of the project is its people, who have bravely shared their experiences of devastation and loss. Each story is an authentic snapshot of the cyclone’s human impact across Hawke’s Bay.

Hawke’s Bay resident Kristin Speers founded the project and has captured the voices of rescuers, survivors and community heroes. All ordinary NZers who found themselves plunged into extraordinary circumstances. Whether through audio, video, photos or transcripts, the Cyclone Gabrielle Stories Project will stand as a lasting record for future generations.

Under the Weather. Real Voices. Raw Emotion.

New Zealand will never forget Cyclone Gabrielle. But as the headlines fade, the lived experiences remain. The Cyclone Gabrielle Stories Project was established to preserve firsthand accounts of survival, heartache, and hope. This platform is the hub for the project.

EPISODES

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"LAST DRINKS"

60 MINS

Recorded with Philip and Chris Barber from Esk Valley – owners of Petane Wines and Zeelandt Brewery. Their business and homes were devastated, and their families displaced. This episode captures their account of the cyclone, the impact on their community, and how they’ve rebuilt and reimagined their future.

"NZDF: BROTHERS IN ARMS"

40 MINS

The first of three episodes with Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes and Sergeant Storm Harrison of the NZDF. They recount their immediate response to the cyclone – rescuing locals, supporting communities under extreme stress, and the bonds that strengthened between them during those crucial days.

"NZDF: HOME TURF"

90 MINS

The second conversation with Storm and Davey, this time reflecting on their own homes and families while still serving their communities. They speak candidly about juggling the responsibilities of soldiers, fathers, and locals in a region struck hard by disaster.

"NZDF: ONWARD"

50 MINS

The third and final episode with Davey and Storm. They reflect on the aftermath, the heavy toll of the cyclone on their mental health, and what recovery and resilience look like – for them, their comrades, and their community. A raw and moving conversation.

"SUDLEY FARM"

80 MINS

Four dwellings, one property, and one night that changed everything. Survivors from three of the homes share harrowing stories of escape, loss, and survival. A powerful multi-perspective retelling of the chaos and heartbreak experienced on a single farm in Hawke’s Bay.

"ALCHEMY, PART 1"

60 MINS

The first half of a two-part story about a Puketapu family who stayed inside their flood-ravaged home during the cyclone. With their property cut off, they recount the frightening reality of waiting out the night as waters rose around them, unsure of what the morning would bring.

"ALCHEMY, PART 2"

60 MINS

The continuation of the Alchemy family’s story. They speak about the difficult process of insurance assessments, land categorisation, and the uncertainty of whether they’ll ever return to their home. It’s a candid exploration of loss, bureaucracy, and resilience.

"FROM HEARTACHE TO HEALING"

80 MINS

Featuring Alastair Needes of Pakowhai – known locally as ‘The Dogman’. Al shares his emotional experience during the cyclone and its aftermath, followed by an open discussion around mental health. A heartfelt story of survival, grief, and the journey towards healing.

"TAKING FLIGHT, PART 1"

60 MINS

Cam and Geoff describe their experiences as civilian pilots during the cyclone. With Geoff’s training and flight expertise, they took to the skies to aid in rescues, offering a bird’s-eye perspective on the devastation and becoming unlikely heroes in the process.

"TAKING FLIGHT, PART 2"

60 MINS

The conclusion of Cam and Geoff’s story. They recount more daring rescues, the exhaustion of their efforts, and even inject some humor with Cam’s unforgettable choice of clothing at the end of the day. A mix of bravery, humanity, and light-heartedness in dark times.

about the cyclone gabrielle stories project

Cyclone Gabrielle changed everything. In just 24 hours, an unprecedented deluge pounded Hawke’s Bay, forcing more than 10,000 people from their homes and severing entire communities, some were isolated for months.

Since then, Kristin has recorded 80 interviews across the region: 150 people in total, including survivors, rescuers and community heroes.

Click to Explore Interviews by Area

Tap to Explore Interviews by Area

Esk Valley / Whirinaki / Bay View

Broader Area

Puketapu / Dartmoor

SH50 & Waiohiki

Pakowhai

Havelock North

Awatoto

Riss / Patoka

As Featured on

IMPACTS

12 people died in Hawke’s Bay as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Over the duration of the event record rainfalls were recorded at:
– Glengarry – 546mm, with 400mm of that falling in just 12 hours
– Waiwhare – 730mm, peaking at 250mm/hour
Upto 10,000 people were displaced.
Thousands more were isolated.
50 bridges and culverts damaged or destroyed.
1700 homes flooded or otherwise damaged.
287 of which ultimately landed in ‘Category 3’.
75,000 people without power.
30 stopbank breaches with a further 30km of stopbank significantly compromised.
Estimated 10 billion dollars wiped from the Hawke’s Bay economy.

UNDER THE WEATHER PODCAST

Meet Kristin Speers

Podcast Creator & Host, ‘Under the Weather’

Deeply personal stories of courage and resilience in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.

In February 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread devastation across Hawke’s Bay. As remarkable leadership and humanitarianism emerged, Kristin was inspired to join the response efforts. Firstly, with colleagues from her GP days, in a temporary clinic at the Bay View Pub. Later, in various community support roles as needs evolved throughout 2023. Towards the end of the year, Kristin set out to record the lived realities of those most deeply affected – people who were rescued, those who rescued them, and the community heroes working quietly behind the scenes.

Over the next 15 months, she met 150 people across 80+ interviews and heard their personal stories. She gathered FIrsthand accounts capturing the chaos and horror of February 14th and documented the ongoing impacts. The original intent was to preserve the narratives as a historical record. But it became something more – a space where sharing their experiences allowed people to continue processing their loss and trauma. Kristin is not a counsellor or psychologist, but her medical background enabled her to hold these conversations with the care and respect they deserved. Being able to offer 2-3 hours, or longer, for each interview was deeply satisfying after years of working within the constraints of 15-minute consultations.

Kristin is grateful to those who have met with her again to create this podcast. Please listen to ‘Under the Weather’ to hear these inspiring stories of courage and resilience.

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