Under the Weather

Cyclone Gabrielle Stories - hosted by Kristin Speers.

Stories from a cyclone of 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.

Episodes

  1. Taking Flight - Part Two

    OCT 22

    Taking Flight - Part Two

    Cam's rescue efforts are nearly sunk at the end of episode 9. How does he resurface? ⚠️ This episode may be distressing for some listeners. Loss of life and some harrowing escapes are covered in this episode. We left Cam Taylor in deep water at the end of episode 9. Join him with Tara Taylor and Geoff Keighley for this final episode of S1 of UNDER THE WEATHER. Geoff and Cam are relentless in their efforts, rescuing nearly 200 people. Don't miss Part 2 of this incredible story as more rescues unfold and response becomes recovery. With pilot Geoff Keighley, Cam is about to embark on one of the most challenging rescues of the day – but must haul himself out of trouble first. The day and the phenomenal rescues roll on and on until it gets dark. Because of the failed comms, Tara has no way of knowing where or how Cam is. Around mid-afternoon, she receives a video from Geoff Keighley, and it takes her a few heart-stopping moments to understand what she’s seeing. The end of the day brings them back together, and their recollections of this result in a highly entertaining recap of events. There are a few wardrobe malfunctions and a lot of laughter. Geoff and Cam also have some incredible reunions with the people they’d rescued. Some of these were many months later at the Puketapu Pub. Known to locals as ‘The Puketap’, it was also flooded. Despite that, it played an integral role in community recovery. When Cam and Geoff, along with many of those they'd rescued, attend its re-opening, there are some emotionally charged reunions. As the stories and drinks flow, Cam and Geoff begin to get a true perspective of how many lives they saved - more than they'd realised. Geoff flies under the radar and gets the better of civil defence once more. Geoff Keighley - Two. Civil Defence - Zero! Cam andTara reflect on the enormous impact on Taylor Corp and the horticultural sector in general. They also reflect on the personal costs as they continue to plough through a lengthy recovery process. Tara shares some powerful reflections on life and the shifting landscape of friendships in the wake of disaster. Notes: Hayden is the usual Taylor Corp pilot and was rescuing people by jet boat when Tara reached him on the morning of Cyclone Gabrielle. Cam and Geoff aren’t 100% sure of the exact number of people they rescued. The numbers referred to in this episode of UNDER THE WEATHER are: 150 – this is the initial rescues of RSE workers from riverside accommodation blocks. 200 – their estimate of the total number of rescues (some months later) once they'd had time to process the events. If you enjoyed listening to TAKING FLIGHT PART TWO, 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-stories https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcast Chapters 00:00  Cam is in deep water 00:45  A difficult rescue 03:50  Noah’s Ark 06:15  Back on Sudley Farm 08:10  The Puketapu Pub 09:20  Kiwi hospitality 10:20  Tara 12:00  ‘That ain’t happening buddy’ 13:50  A long day on their roof. 14:40  Cam is in a state. 19:15  Geoff’s out to lunch 20:30  Day 2 in Dartmoor 22:40  The beer fridge 23:45  No comms 26:00  Flying under the radar 28:40  Grounded 30:20  A bloody mess 32:00  Bumper to bumper 33:00  Fruitless 34:40  Limbo 36:00  Life or death 38:00  Old dogs, new tricks 38:40  A near miss for Napier 39:10  Trapped 40:10  Exit strategy  41:00  New connections and final reflections 45:10 Conclusion Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/ All Transcripts for Under the Weather are AI-generated.

    48 min
  2. Taking Flight - Part One

    OCT 15

    Taking Flight - Part One

    A narrow escape. A chance meeting. Water rises around the chopper as Cam and Geoff take flight. ⚠️ Some content may be distressing. Listener discretion is advised. The Taylor family home is perched 12 meters above the Tutaekuri River. But by 5.30am on February 14th 2023, the river is on their doorstep and rising. There's no time for anything but escape. They're lucky to get out with their lives and their dogs. Once they're safe, Cam's thoughts turn to his RSE workers. They also live on the river. He has a chopper, but can't reach his usual pilot. In a stroke of incredible luck, another is on the scene. For Cam and Tara Taylor, Valentine's Day 2023 started with a rude awakening and a narrow escape. Staying home isn't an option, but leaving is also a huge risk. They plough through deep water, which is coursing over the local roads like rapids. They can only watch as other vehicles are swept away. When they reach the safety of their family business, Cam has one thought. Rescuing his orchard workers from the riverbanks. By air is the only way, and the skids of the chopper are almost submerged as they take flight. Tara remains on the ground and has to outrun the water for a second time that day. This is just the beginning of their day, and of an incredible story about to unfold. Cam and pilot Geoff Keighley are airborne. The extent of flooding across the region is severe and widespread. Like nothing they could have ever imagined. They rescue Cam's RSE workers, along with others, from nearby orchards. Maybe a hundred in total. They quickly lose count. The pace is relentless, and they take the door off the chopper to allow rapid loading and unloading. They later describe these rescues as the 'easy' ones. Once the RSE teams are safe, they begin to find people on their roofs. And later, in their roofs. Throughout the day, they continue to discover precarious situations where lives hang in the balance. Cam himself is in a difficult spot as part one of Taking Flight concludes. This incredible story of escape, survival and daring rescues is TBC in Taking Flight part two. If you enjoyed listening to TAKING FLIGHT 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-stories https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcast Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:10 Geoff 05:30 Cam & Tara 06:50 Taylor Corp 07:45 Before the cyclone 09:30 Escape 15:00 SOS Geoff 18:00 Right place, right time 19:20 Pre-flight 24:20 Airborne 25:00 Another narrow escape 30:20 The 'easy' rescues 33:40 Shit gets real 40:15 Traps for young players 43:40 Cam hits the roof Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/ All transcripts for Under the Weather are AI-generated.

    47 min
  3. From Heartache to Healing

    OCT 8

    From Heartache to Healing

    After a deluge of impossible choices, Al is all out of options. ⚠️ This episode covers some distressing themes, including suicide and the loss of Al's dogs. Listener discretion is advised. After a stormy night, all seems well as day dawns on February 14th 2023. They've dodged a bullet, but the gun is loaded. Before long, Pakowhai is under siege as the rivers close in on the small, rural community. There's no high ground and nowhere to go. Surrounded by rising water, Al's focus is on who needs help - people and animals alike. Not all can be saved. When he takes refuge on a shipping container, Al doesn't think he will be either. Rescue comes, but the reprieve of survival is short. The long battle that follows is raw and unforgiving as he stares down the barrel of grief and loss. Join Al on this journey from heartache to healing. Originally from Shropshire in the UK, Al had immigrated nearly 30 years previously with his Kiwi partner, Ali. A dairy farmer already, he was a perfect fit for his new life in rural New Zealand. As their boys grew, so did the farms, and Al decided it was time for a change. A love of dogs and a natural affinity with our canine companions steered Al in new directions. Nearly 20 years and thousands of wagging tails later, he is widely known as 'The Dogman'. But in early 2023, a catastrophic event tore through their lives. A home, a business, a way of life, were suddenly gone. In their place, trauma, grief and uncertainty. There were no new directions. No blueprint or map. Just a silt-covered road to nowhere. Al’s first steps along this road were heavy. Despair set like concrete, and there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Overwhelmed and unmoored, he needed an anchor to hold him steady—an anchor to halt the drift into desperation and darkness. This is a story of Al finding his anchors. In some cases, the anchors find him. As he turns the ship around, his journey is transformed into one of resilience and redemption. If you enjoyed listening to FROM HEARTACHE TO HEALING, 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-stories https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcast Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:40 Meet Al 04:50 The good life 06:00 Everything changes 08:30 Refuge 10:10 Oblivious 11:00 A few deep breaths 12:50 Shine the torch on your feet 14:15 A dark place 16:50 The community rallies 20:10 Pounamu 22:30 No respite 24:40 Gratitude 28:00 What NOT to say... 30:30 Looters 31:30 Divide & Conquer - Insurance 34:30 Divide & Conquer - Councils 37:40 A kick in the guts 40:20 Legacies 42:15 A tribute 43:30 An unexpected new chapter 44:30 Rock bottom 45:25 The light at the end of the tunnel 47:20 Arthur 49:10 A better person 51:20 Dinner club 52:30 Sound advice 55:45 Time to regroup 57:15 Conclusion Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/ Transcripts for Under the Weather are AI-generated.

    59 min
  4. Alchemy - Part Two

    OCT 1

    Alchemy - Part Two

    Trapped amidst the carnage, the Cave family waits as a desperate search begins. ⚠️ Some listeners may be distressed by this content. When all hope of rescue is gone, they are forced to spend the night in their flooded home. They lie awake as it slowly disintegrates around them. Their youngest daughter, Alex, is enduring her own ordeal. Undeterred by false reassurance, she embarks on a relentless search for her missing family. It is thanks to Alex that Suzanna, Neal and Sam are eventually found. Join them as they reflect on rescue, reunion and recovery. Part One ended with deathly silence and an unlikely visitor. It is only one of several enigmatic signs dotted throughout their story.  As the air around them comes to life with the steady chop of helicopter blades, it appears that rescue is imminent. But no one can see them. The water recedes, exposing the wreckage beneath and exposing Neal and Sam to a 15-meter descent with nothing to cushion the fall. Once back on the ground, they find their beautiful home is unrecognisable. The remaining water, silt and overturned furniture make it almost impossible to navigate. Particularly with their Labrador Ted, who also needs to traverse the wreckage. Rescue doesn’t come and neither does sleep during a long night of frightening noises. Creaking. Dripping water. Smashing glass. The crashing of ceilings collapsing beneath them. The day that follows begins with false hope and a perilous trek through the hazardous debris of what was once their home. The 5 of them and Ted spend a long day outside waiting for a helicopter that never returns. Fortunately, thanks to Alex, help does eventually arrive. Neal, Suzanna and Sam recount their dramatic rescue and the reunion that follows. Their story then becomes one of recovery and new directions. They share some interesting new perspectives, and the conversation touches on survivor's guilt, prophetic dreams, wine and much more. Don't miss the uplifting conclusion to their story as they find triumph amidst the tragedy of Cyclone Gabrielle. If you enjoyed listening to ALCHEMY PART TWO, 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-stories https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcast Chapters 00:00 Recap 00:35 A long way down 06:50 No time to die 08:30 A sleepless night 10:50 Day 2 12:45 A long wait 15:40 The 11th hour. 19:10 Airborne 20:00 Alex 24:50 Ground Zero 27:10 Where do you start? 31:10 The end of a dream 33:50 Alchemy 36:40 The Puketapu Bridge 37:40 New Perspectives 39:10 Global disasters and survivors guilt 41:10 Conclusion Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/ All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.

    43 min
  5. Alchemy - Part One

    SEP 24

    Alchemy - Part One

    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-stories https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcast Chapters 00:00  Intro 01:40  Suzanna, Neal and Sam 03:55  A Tuscan villa 05:25   Before the cyclone 10:10  A premonition 12:45  The cold light of day 17:30  Trapped 21:30  Retreat 24:30  Spiderman 26:20  A leap of faith 28:20  The roof 30:40  Alex 33:15  The tide turns 35:00 A precarious perch 36:50  A near miss 40:00 Deathly silence 41:00 To be continued…. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/ All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI-generated.

    42 min
  6. Sudley Farm

    SEP 10

    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-stories https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcast Chapters 00:00  Introduction 01:43  Meet Sally, Lynn and Meg. 02:52  The Calm before the storm 04:50  Waking to water. 06:10 Moving to higher ground  09:45 A 111 call. 12:36 Naomi leads the way 14:00 The water keeps coming 16:55  An exit strategy 22:30 On the roof. 31:15 Rescue 33:10 Refuge and reunion 35:40 The outside world  37:45 Disbelief 39:10 Lessons learned? 42:10 One foot in front of the other 49:05 Another reunion 51:00 Mary 52:18 Lost and found 54:00 Back on the farm…almost 55:25 Good advice 57:00 Laughter is the best medicine. 58:00 The best of friends 01:01:13  Conclusion and dedication ⚠️ Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/ Note 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.

    1h 3m
  7. NZDF: Onward.

    SEP 3

    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-stories https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcast Te Reo Translations Aroha  love Hinengaro  the mind. Kai  food Kapai  good Korero  to talk, Mahi  work Tautoko acknowledge or pay respects to Whaikorero  formal speech or address Whakapapa  roots, as in lineage or descent Whanau family Whare  house or dwelling Chapters 00:00 Recap and introduction 00:35 Briefly in Bay View 01:00 Family impacts 02:45 2 different worlds 03:08 A community living in fear 05:30 The distribution hub 07:30 Billy (and some more about him later….) 08:40 A lot of love for the Reserves 10:20 Accolades 14:35 A trip to Wellington 17:10 The emotional toll (19:45-52 ⚠️) 23:35 What about next time? 26:30 Onward 29:30 Recruitment 30:45 The curse of Category 3 31:15 Living the Dream 32:15  Further acknowledgement 33:20 Aroha 33:40 Conclusion to the NZDF story 34:45  A dedication ⚠️ Follow Cyclone Gabrielle Stories on Facebook Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/ All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.

    36 min
  8. NZDF: Home Turf

    AUG 27

    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-stories https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcast Please note the following: No one died on Glengarry RdSOP = standard operating procedureCDEM = Civil Defence Emergency Management  Te Reo Translations Aue  an exclamation of annoyance or distress Mahi  work Mana  a presence of power, authority or status Marae  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 areas Panui   An announcement or message Tamariki  Children Turangawaewae  The direct translation is a place to stand, but the meaning is much more powerful. A place of origin, connection and deep roots. Whanau Family Whenua   Land, territory or domain. Chapters 00:00  Intro and recap of Episode 2 00:38  February 13th 05:10  Davey gets a call-up. 08:00  Bay View 10:45  Getting to Esk Valley 13:25  Eskdale School 16:20  Taking the plunge 19:20  Regroup 21:00 Evacuate 22:40  A small world 23:30 A good swimmer 24:05  A brief diversion 24:45  Back in Bay View @ 06:30 26:00  Don’t die 26:25  HQ 27:45 Triage 29:50  CDEM 32:10 Esk Valley 33:10 Cutting a track 34:05 The Navy SEAL brothers 35:30 Search and Rescue 40:20  Quicksand 42:45  The cavalry arrive 44:00  Eskdale Drive 50:30-50:45⚠️ 52:20-53:00 ⚠️ 50:50  Emotional impacts 54:30  Control & command. 58:20  Beyond Esk Valley 58:30-58:45 ⚠️ 1:03:20 Pan Pac Mill 1:05:50 Local knowledge 1:07:20 An uncertain future 1:07:45 Next week…. Follow us on social media https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/ Transcripts AI generated

    1h 8m
  9. NZDF: Brothers in Arms

    AUG 20

    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-stories https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcast Te Reo Translations Haka 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 family Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Under The Weather 01:35 Meet Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes 02:05 Meet Sergeant Storm Harrison 02:30 1998 -Davey and Storm meet each other 04:30 Davey's Career Journey 06:50 East Timor 09:00 Rugby and high-performance sport 10:20 Rehabilitation 11:45 Reserves and Recruiting 13:15 Storm's Career Journey 14:10 East Timor 20:30 Gallipoli on ANZAC Day 24:40 Sinai/The Iraq War 27:20 Antarctica 28:25 Back in East Timor 29:30 A few good men. (⚠️ NZDF personnel who have been lost in the line of duty) 31:25 Brief conclusion Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/ All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated

    32 min
  10. Last Drinks

    AUG 11

    Last Drinks

    Two brothers, two families, one night that changes everything. ⚠️ This story may be emotionally distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised. 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. Hailing from a family steeped in the traditions of winemaking and brewing, the two brothers wanted to keep the family legacy alive. Petane Wines and Zeelandt Brewery in Esk Valley were where their aspirations turned into reality. However, flooding was a semi-regular and unwelcome feature of life beside the Esk River. Usually, an idyllic ribbon of water meandering along the northern edge of the Valley. But sometimes a raging monster. In 2018, a '1-in-100' year event wreaked havoc for them and other residents of Esk Valley, leading to evacuations and significant damage. They thought the worst-case scenario was behind them. But 5 years later, Cyclone Gabrielle unleashed its fury over the Esk 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 Valley was transformed into a brown wasteland of sludge and debris. Amid the aftermath, the unwavering support of the community and their own determination saw them through the darkest hours. Both families eventually found solace in higher ground. Join us as we recount their journey of survival and the rebuilding that followed, a testament to the power of family, community, and undying hope. Their story reminds us that disasters can strike anywhere, but it's how we come together that defines our resilience. If you enjoyed listening to LAST DRINKS, 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-stories https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcast Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Under The Weather 01:45 The 2018 flood 06:10 Cyclone Gabrielle is coming. 07:25 Preparations 08:40 Flooding begins 11:20 Too late to leave 15:10 The only way is up. 21:36 A beacon of hope for Philip and Sarah. 22:10 The ordeal continues for Chris and Luciana 26:40 The Navy SEALs 29:50 On dry land 31:50 Reflections on survival 33.45 A community rallies 35:25 Overwhelm 37.45 Philip's photo-shoot 39:30 New perspectives 40:50 Esk Valley 41:50 Recovery 43:40 Good advice 45:10 New horizons 47.15 Gratitude and conclusion Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/ Philip 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 All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.

    49 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Stories from a cyclone of 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Cyclone Gabrielle Stories - hosted by Kristin Speers.
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Cyclone Gabrielle Stories - hosted by Kristin Speers.
  • Show Website
    Under the Weather

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