A bridge falls. A river rises. The Cave family wake up to a home under siege.⚠️ Some listeners may be distressed by this content.In the early hours of February 14th 2023, a family sleeps. None of them knows what’s coming, but Sam has a haunting premonition. Only a few hours later, they wake up surrounded by flooding. Those who’ve slept downstairs are trapped; hostages to the river. As Neal fights to free them, Suzanna hears the front door splintering under the pressure of the rising water. They need to move fast.This is a story of paradise lost. A Tuscan villa. A lush vineyard, almost ready to yield its grapes. A harvest that never happens. The Cave family watch in shocked disbelief as a way of life is swallowed whole. The water silently follows them as they retreat upstairs. When it begins lapping over the balcony, they must weigh up their options. They eye up the hills in the distance, but the water there is torrential. Swimming is quickly ruled out. Not knowing when the water will stop, Neal and Sam undertake huge risks to get onto the roof. Once there, they survey a scene of endless flooding. It’s so extensive that a terrible thought immediately strikes them - the whole of Hawke’s Bay is gone.Fortunately, a brief exchange with Alex tells them otherwise. But this is just the beginning of a 2-day ordeal for all of them. Near the end of this episode, Neal and Sam spot an enormous shipping container heading directly for the house as Suzanna prepares their guests to swim for their lives.If you enjoyed listening to ALCHEMY PART ONE, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more.https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastChapters00:00 Intro01:40 Suzanna, Neal and Sam03:55 A Tuscan villa05:25 Before the cyclone10:10 A premonition12:45 The cold light of day17:30 Trapped21:30 Retreat24:30 Spiderman26:20 A leap of faith28:20 The roof30:40 Alex33:15 The tide turns35:00 A precarious perch36:50 A near miss40:00 Deathly silence41:00 To be continued….Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestoriesprojectAll transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI-generated.
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41:31
Sudley Farm
Under the cover of night, the river swells. All hopes of escape from Sudley Farm are swallowed whole.⚠️ This episode follows a harrowing ordeal in Dartmoor and deals with loss of life. Listener discretion advised.It’s 1988 and Cyclone Bola leaves its mark on the collective memory of Hawke’s Bay and NZ. Sally and David Prins had already been farming in Dartmoor for about 15 years and remember the construction of the stop bank that followed. Completed in 1992, it was designed to withstand a1-in-100-year event. But 30 years later, it’s no match for Cyclone Gabrielle. As the rain falls, the homes dotted around Sudley Farm are on a deadly collision course with the Tutaekuri River. This is the story of the desperate ordeal that follows.In this episode, Kristin takes listeners into the heart of Dartmoor Valley, where 3 families recount their horrific experiences during Cyclone Gabrielle. We hear from Sally Prins, with her neighbours Lynn McKenna (also Sally and David’s ex-daughter-in-law) and Meg Becker. They recount their terrifying escape from rapidly rising flood-waters in the dark pre-dawn of Feb 14th 2023. As with so many others caught in the chaos that day, the only way was up. Listen to their story as they navigate the challenges of catastrophic flooding – with lives on the line and no outside help until after the worst had passed. Fearing the worst but clinging to threads of hope, most of the residents of Sudley Farm are eventually plucked from their roofs by helicopter. Their narrative also highlights the invaluable support from the local community in the absence of anything meaningful from the ‘authorities’. They revisit the importance of emergency preparedness and also offer some sound advice. It’s not only an incredible story of survival, but of courage and resilience as they endure what followed. They reflect on a lucky escape with gratitude and new perspectives.If you enjoyed listening to SUDLEY FARM, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more.https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastChapters00:00 Introduction 01:43 Meet Sally, Lynn and Meg.02:52 The Calm before the storm04:50 Waking to water.06:10 Moving to higher ground 09:45 A 111 call.12:36 Naomi leads the way14:00 The water keeps coming16:55 An exit strategy22:30 On the roof.31:15 Rescue33:10 Refuge and reunion35:40 The outside world 37:45 Disbelief39:10 Lessons learned?42:10 One foot in front of the other49:05 Another reunion51:00 Mary52:18 Lost and found54:00 Back on the farm…almost55:25 Good advice57:00 Laughter is the best medicine.58:00 The best of friends01:01:13 Conclusion and dedication ⚠️Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestoriesprojectNote Since recording this episode it has been brought to my attention that there was no pre-existing stopbank along this stretch of the Tutaekuri River. So the stop bank built in the early 1990s was 'from scratch', not an upgrade of an existing structure.All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.
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1:03:03
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1:03:03
NZDF: Onward.
Continue the tour of duty with Davey and Storm in flood-ravaged Esk Valley and beyond.⚠️ This episode contains reflections on Cyclone Gabrielle which may be distressing to some listeners. Discretion is advised.Storm has learned that the trail of destruction extends far beyond Esk Valley. Davey has heard terrible news in the control room as distress calls pour in from around the region. The situation is grim. Join them and their 5/7 Battalion whanau as they forge onward through the crisis. They also share deeply personal reflections on the emotional toll of a deployment on home turf.This episode continues the journey of Sergeant Storm Harrison and Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes as they share their reflections on this very personal mission. They discuss the challenges faced by them, their families and their community, and the resilience and courage required to recover. This episode delves into their roles within the Army Reserves, highlighting the vital contributions made by their unit and the importance of strength in diversity. The discussion also covers the recognition they received, including the Chief of Defence Force commendation. They talk about what can be done differently in the future - when the next disaster strikes. They also touch on some of the consequences of living in Category 3 in the 'Managed Retreat' that followed on the heels of Cyclone Gabrielle. The episode concludes with a tribute to their families and community, showcasing the strength and unity that helped them through a time of crisis.If you enjoyed listening to NZDF: ONWARD, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more.https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastTe Reo TranslationsAroha loveHinengaro the mind.Kai foodKapai goodKorero to talk,Mahi workTautoko acknowledge or pay respects toWhaikorero formal speech or addressWhakapapa roots, as in lineage or descentWhanau familyWhare house or dwellingChapters00:00 Recap and introduction00:35 Briefly in Bay View01:00 Family impacts02:45 2 different worlds03:08 A community living in fear05:30 The distribution hub07:30 Billy (and some more about him later….)08:40 A lot of love for the Reserves10:20 Accolades14:35 A trip to Wellington17:10 The emotional toll(19:45-52 ⚠️)23:35 What about next time?26:30 Onward29:30 Recruitment30:45 The curse of Category 331:15 Living the Dream32:15 Further acknowledgement33:20 Aroha33:40 Conclusion to the NZDF story34:45 A dedication ⚠️Follow Cyclone Gabrielle Stories on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestoriesprojectAll transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.
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35:38
NZDF: Home Turf
Cries for help slice through the roar of water as Storm and Davey arrive in Esk Valley.⚠️ This episode includes references to the tragic loss of life in the Esk Valley area during Cyclone Gabrielle. Listener discretion is advised.SSGT Davey Forbes and SGT Storm Harrison arrive at 03:30 as water pours through Esk Valley. As they plough into the flood, a massive surge swamps the Unimog and forces a hasty retreat. It’s a near miss that almost ends in disaster. They must regroup, reassess and evacuate those they can. When they return to the valley at daybreak, they’re confronted by scenes of total devastation. This is home turf, and the enormity of it weighs heavily as the search for survivors begins.Storm and Davy recount the harrowing events of February 14th when Cyclone Gabrielle struck Hawke’s Bay. Everyone had under-estimated the scale of Cyclone Gabrielle, but fortunately, Storm had returned home early from a major training exercise in Waiouru. As the cyclone unleashed its fury, they mobilised at 2 AM to rescue a trapped family between Napier and Taupo. But on the way, they discovered the unfolding disaster in Esk Valley. They battled treacherous conditions to reach those who’d become trapped by rising floodwaters and were almost swept away themselves. Local knowledge and camaraderie proved crucial in their response as hours turned into days and days into weeks. Despite emotional and physical exhaustion, they pushed forward, driven by the connection to their home turf. (See below the meaning of Turangawaewae). Both men underscore the importance of preparedness and local expertise in disaster response. Their narrative also highlights the collaborative efforts between military, police, firefighters, and locals, painting a vivid picture of resilience and heroism in the face of disaster.If you enjoyed listening to HOME TURF, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastPlease note the following:No one died on Glengarry RdSOP = standard operating procedureCDEM = Civil Defence Emergency Management Te Reo TranslationsAue an exclamation of annoyance or distressMahi workMana a presence of power, authority or statusMarae a complex of meeting areas at the heart of a traditional Maori community. Used for formal and informal occasions. Marae atea: the open courtyard or public forum in front of the meeting house Wharenui: the meeting house itself (also often referred to as the marae) Wharekai: dining and kitchen areasPanui An announcement or messageTamariki ChildrenTurangawaewae The direct translation is a place to stand, but the meaning is much more powerful. A place of origin, connection and deep roots.Whanau FamilyWhenua Land, territory or domain.Chapters00:00 Intro and recap of Episode 200:38 February 13th05:10 Davey gets a call-up.08:00 Bay View10:45 Getting to Esk Valley13:25 Eskdale School16:20 Taking the plunge19:20 Regroup21:00 Evacuate22:40 A small world23:30 A good swimmer24:05 A brief diversion24:45 Back in Bay View @ 06:3026:00 Don’t die26:25 HQ27:45 Triage29:50 CDEM32:10 Esk Valley33:10 Cutting a track34:05 The Navy SEAL brothers35:30 Search and Rescue40:20 Quicksand42:45 The cavalry arrive44:00 Eskdale Drive50:30-50:45⚠️52:20-53:00 ⚠️50:50 Emotional impacts54:30 Control & command.58:20 Beyond Esk Valley58:30-58:45 ⚠️1:03:20 Pan Pac Mill1:05:50 Local knowledge1:07:20 An uncertain future1:07:45 Next week….Follow Cyclone Gabrielle Stories on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestoriesproject/All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.
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1:08:05
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1:08:05
NZDF: Brothers in Arms
Join SSGT Davey Forbes and SGT Storm Harrison on global deployments as they set the scene for Cyclone Gabrielle.⚠️ This episode refers to NZDF personnel who have died in the line of duty. Listener discretion advised.Davey and Storm were among the first to arrive in Esk Valley before dawn on February 14th. Before sharing their story, they offer some fascinating insights into our defence force. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of deployments all over the world as they set the scene for their role as first responders during Cyclone Gabrielle.In this episode of Under The Weather, Kristin introduces Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes and Sergeant Storm Harrison. Both Hawke’s Bay born and bred, and both now serving as army reservists. Before their time in the Army Reserves (formerly known as The Territorials), they also served in the regular force or ‘RF’. They share their personal and professional journeys, highlighting deployments and other experiences with the New Zealand Defence Force. Davey recounts his varied career, from starting as a mechanic to his work as a physical training instructor and passion for high-performance sports. His memories include a deployment to East Timor, playing rugby in Northern Ireland (a military ‘gap-year’), and his efforts in the rehabilitation and recruitment spaces. Storm shares his path from Napier Boys' High School to basic training to seasoned soldier. He vividly recalls his tours of duty in East Timor, Sinai, and Antarctica, reflecting on the camaraderie and challenges faced. Both Davey and Storm provide a poignant account of their careers, underlined by personal sacrifice, dedication, and service. They drill down into what it means to be part of the New Zealand Defence Force. These narratives set the stage for their response to Cyclone Gabrielle.If you enjoyed listening to NZDF: BROTHERS IN ARMS, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more.https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastTe Reo TranslationsHaka collective name given to ceremonial dances used for various occasions - sometimes in welcome, sometimes in challengeKa Mate a haka performed to signify survival and triumphKia Ora informal greeting or helloPakeha New Zealander of European descentTamariki childrenTautoko to acknowledge and supportUrupa cemeteryWairua spirit or soulWhānau familyChapters00:00 Introduction to Under The Weather01:35 Meet Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes02:05 Meet Sergeant Storm Harrison02:30 1998 -Davey and Storm meet each other04:30 Davey's Career Journey06:50 East Timor09:00 Rugby and high-performance sport10:20 Rehabilitation11:45 Reserves and Recruiting13:15 Storm's Career Journey14:10 East Timor20:30 Gallipoli on ANZAC Day24:40 Sinai/The Iraq War27:20 Antarctica28:25 Back in East Timor29:30 A few good men. (⚠️ NZDF personnel who have been lost in the line of duty)31:25 Brief conclusionFollow Cyclone Gabrielle Stories on Facebook: facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestoriesprojectAll transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated
Stories from a cyclone. Survival, loss and recovery. Real voices. Raw emotion. Lasting impact. What happens when unprecedented flooding consumes entire communities without warning? Under the Weather brings you the voices of survivors and rescuers from Cyclone Gabrielle. Host, Kristin Speers is not a journalist, just a local having authentic conversations with those deeply impacted by this disaster. Some content may be distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
New Zealand