SOUTH SIDE FLOOD-IMPACTED HOMES BEING REPAIRED

Siblings Malcolm White and Marie Tuahine are amongst the first homeowners impacted by the June south side flooding to be moving back into their repaired houses.

Living two doors away from each other at 150 and 154 Apatu Street, the brother and sister said they weren’t scared when the flooding started - because they never believed the river would flood through their homes.

Marie and her late husband built their home 50 years ago, and it was an extra six inches higher than other homes in the neighbourhood – but even that didn’t prevent the floodwaters from washing through the home.

Marie says on June 26, she woke up to one of Malcolm’s daughters banging on the window, telling her to get out quickly. “I ran to the front door. It was still dark, and the water was above my niece’s knees. I managed to drive out and reached higher ground in Lahore Street but later my car was written off.”

Marie stayed at a friend’s home for the first two months and then moved into a pod at the rear of her property.

Malcolm was also woken by his daughter on the morning of the flooding. “I was only a week out of hospital, so I stayed where I was. “I thought it would be alright, the water had never been into the house before. However, by about 7am, Malcolm reassessed the situation and his family insisted he leave the house. By then, the flooded river was halfway up his truck. “I knew high tide was still coming and decided I had better get out of there, and I left with nothing.”

Malcolm and six other family members had lived in his whānau home for the past 10 years. “It’s been hard because we have all been displaced and haven’t been able to stay together.

While the house was insured, Malcolm didn’t have contents insurance and is grateful for the support he has received from Wairoa Recovery and the Pātaka. “I have beds and whiteware, so I just need drawers now.”

Marie and Malcolm were both excited to be moving back into their homes. “It’s bittersweet says Marie. “I am grateful to have insurance.

I lost everything, my memories are gone because of flooding that should never have happened. We always check the Wairoa River bar, we’ve been doing it for years, especially when we know there is rain coming and the bar would be opened – but this time it was left too late.”

The pair say they are not afraid of staying in their repaired homes as long as the river mouth is managed properly.

9 December 2024

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