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Two years after the Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, many communities are still recovering. Further up the coast, Mangawhai was recently hit by a tornado that caused extensive property damage and injured several people.
The Hibiscus Coast faces multiple disaster risks, including tsunami, storms, flooding, cyclones, and even the remote possibility of a volcanic eruption from the Auckland Volcanic Field. Preparing for these threats is essential, and community resilience groups play a crucial role in ensuring local readiness.
After her property in Hatfields Beach was damaged in the storms, resident Tracella Owens was determined to establish a resilience group in her area.
“I attended the Rodney Support Group run by Sue Robertson, who has been involved in emergency planning in the Rodney area for years,” she says. After that meeting, I realised there was nothing in place for the Hibiscus North area. Whangaparāoa had already set up a group and was making great progress, so Lynsey Ellis and I started the Hibiscus North Emergency Resilience Group. Since then, we’ve been working to build awareness, create plans, and set up emergency hubs. It’s been almost a year, and we’re still learning so much.”
Tracella also formed the Hatfields Beach Community Resilience Group with the goal of creating a safe, connected, and prepared community. Recently, the group held a beach gathering for Hatfields Beach residents to update them on their work.
“The first step is connecting the community and asking residents to be prepared for emergencies. In between sausage and bacon butties, we held discussions and exchanged information on developing a household plan. If something happens during the day and residents can’t get home, what do they do? If the kids are at school and the road is blocked, where do they go? These scenarios need to be considered in advance of an emergency and regularly updated.”
The event had a fantastic turnout, with residents showing strong support and a willingness to help each other, Tracella says. Many shared stories of the storms in 2023 and the overwhelming support they received from neighbours.
“It’s what we do. Kiwis helping Kiwis is part of our make up.”
As Hatfields Beach is particularly vulnerable to major emergencies, such as tsunamis and storms, and could easily be cut off if roads or bridges are damaged, Tracella emphasised the need for a coordinated approach, especially with other communities such as Waiwera.
“They are more vulnerable than us so it makes sense for them to head south in an emergency, so we’re working together to coordinate our response plans.”
The Hatfields Beach Community Resilience Group has been identifying local hazards and plans to approach Auckland Council for support, particularly concerning trees along the main highway leading to Hatfields Beach and stormwater issues that cause frequent flooding during heavy rain.
“Gary Brown from the Hibiscus Coast and Bays Local Board attended the event.”
Tracella also thanked the sponsors who helped make the event a success.
Facebook: Hatfields Beach Community Resilience Group, or email Tracella Tracella.owens@xtra.co.nz
