⚠️ This episode contains reflections on Cyclone Gabrielle which may be distressing to some listeners. Discretion is advised.Continue the tour of duty with Davey and Storm and hear about the personal impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.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.Te 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 Facebook/Instagramhttps://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestoriesprojecthttps://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories/
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NZDF: Home Turf
⚠️ This episode includes references to the tragic loss of life in the Esk Valley area during Cyclone Gabrielle. Listener discretion is advised.As Cyclone Gabrielle begins to pound Hawke’s Bay, SSGT Davey Forbes and SGT Storm Harrison are ready to deploy into Esk Valley.They arrive at 03:30. Cries for help slice through the roar of water pouring through the 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.Please 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 us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestoriesproject/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories
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NZDF: Brothers in Arms
⚠️ This episode includes mention of NZDF personnel who have died in the line of duty. Listener discretion advised.Join SSGT Davey Forbes and SGT Storm Harrison on global deployments as they set the scene for Cyclone Gabrielle.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 intowhat it means to be part of the New Zealand Defence Force. These narratives set the stage for their response to Cyclone Gabrielle.Te 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 conclusionJoin Cyclone Gabrielle Stories on Facebook: facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestoriesprojectFollow Cyclone Gabrielle Stories Project on Instagram: instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories/
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Last Drinks
⚠️Trigger warning: May be emotionally distressing for some listeners.This episode was recorded with Philip and Chris Barber.Two brothers, two families, one night that changes everything.It’s near midnight on February 13th 2023, when Philip and Chris realise it’s too late to escape the rising threat in Esk Valley. As the river continues to rise, their options evaporate. Within hours, their homes and businesses are lost forever. In this opening episode of ‘Under the Weather’, they share their remarkable stories of survival, loss and recovery.In this episode of 'Under The Weather', we hear from Philip and Chris Barber. Hailingfrom a family steeped in the traditions of winemaking and brewing, the 2brothers wanted to keep the family legacy alive. Petane Wines and ZeelandtBrewery in Esk Valley were where their aspirations turned into reality.However, flooding was a semi-regular and unwelcome feature of life beside theEsk River. Usually, an idyllic ribbon of water meandering along the northernedge of the Valley. But sometimes a raging monster. In 2018, a '1-in-100' yearevent wreaked havoc for them and other residents of Esk Valley, leading toevacuations and significant damage. They thought the worst-case scenario wasbehind them. But 5 years later, Cyclone Gabrielle unleashed its fury over theEsk River catchment.With water levels rising rapidly and evacuation warnings that came too late, both families were forced into a fight for their lives. The lush green paradise of Esk Valleywas transformed into a brown wasteland of sludge and debris. Amid theaftermath, the unwavering support of the community and their own determinationsaw them through the darkest hours. Both families eventually found solace inhigher ground. Join us as we recount their journey of survival and therebuilding that followed, a testament to the power of family, community, andundying hope. Their story reminds us that disasters can strike anywhere, butit's how we come together that defines our resilience.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Under The Weather01:45 The 2018 flood06:10 Cyclone Gabrielle is coming.07:25 Preparations08:40 Flooding begins11:20 Too late to leave15:10 The only way is up.21:36 A beacon of hope for Philip and Sarah.22:10 The ordeal continues for Chris and Luciana26:40 The Navy SEALs29:50 On dry land31:50 Reflections on survival33.45 A community rallies35:25 Overwhelm37.45 Philip's photo-shoot39:30 New perspectives40:50 Esk Valley41:50 Recovery43:40 Good advice45:10 New horizons47.15 Gratitude and conclusionPhilip and Chris grew up in the Kumeu-Huapai area northwest of Auckland. This is also a flood-prone area. Listen here to the story of Kumeu and the uncertain future a whole town faces as a result of repeated flooding. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6xgUEMtPmhROgMM98JQvu1
Join Kristin on a journey through stories from Cyclone Gabrielle, NZ’s most widespread & costliest natural disaster. Survivors & rescuers from some of the worst-impacted communities in Hawke’s Bay, share their accounts of survival, courage, & resilience.
Kristin wasn’t directly affected, but has lived experience of the cyclone’s impact on her community. She’s not a journalist, broadcaster, or even a podcaster; just a local having open, authentic conversations. These interviews are informal & conversational. Some of the content may cause emotional distress. Listener discretion advised.
New Zealand