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A year ago today, in the early hours of Sunday January 26, Mangawhai was torn apart by one of the most brutal natural disasters in its recent history.
Around 3am, a powerful tornado ripped through the coastal community, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Two people were injured, cars were flipped upside down, powerlines were brought down and about 50 homes and buildings were seriously damaged.
For many residents, the storm changed their lives in a single night.
Among the hardest hit were Nick and Penny Berthoud, whose home was torn apart by the tornado just a year after they had moved in. Almost everything they owned was destroyed.
“We couldn’t catch up with what we were experiencing,” the couple recalled. “It was all shock and disbelief. But we received a lot of love and meal trains from our friends and neighbours.”
While their house was rebuilt over seven months, the road to recovery was far from easy. The family initially stayed with friends for a month before moving into an Airbnb while repairs were completed.
Nick said that while support such as the Employee Assistance Programme helped, the emotional scars remain.
“Post-traumatic stress never leaves you. Even when you feel good again, certain weather events can trigger memories and take you back instantly,” he said.
Despite this, he remains hopeful.
“Life will get better, but it’s a long journey to stay strong during the process.”
Local business owner James Taylor, who founded Juicy Media 17 years ago, also experienced life-changing losses. The storm shredded his warehouse on Old Waipu Rd, bringing his business to a standstill.
“I was really sad and pretty upset,” he said. “I managed to build a new shed on my property, but I didn’t receive a cent of government assistance. The support I got from friends and neighbours was what really made a difference.”
James said he was unable to operate his business for three to four months, leaving him without income and without any formal psychological support.
“All I did was focus on trying to rebuild the business,” he said.
Looking back a year on, James says the experience highlighted the strength of the community.
“I learned who my real friends were, and that I live in a very supportive place.”
As Mangawhai marks the anniversary, stories of loss are matched by stories of resilience, reminding residents of both the devastation of that night and the enduring power of community.
