Cyclone Gabrielle, the Esk Valley and the four Rs

On 13 and 14 February 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle dumped enormous amounts of rain on Hawke's Bay, Tairāwhiti and other parts of the North Island. Rivers rose faster than many people thought possible. Eleven people died, thousands of homes were damaged, and the country declared a national state of emergency.

What happened in the Esk Valley

The Esk River, north of Napier, burst its banks in the night. Water and mud filled houses to the ceiling. Scientists estimate that about eight million tonnes of river silt and four million tonnes of eroded hillside were dumped in the valley. Orchards and vineyards were buried, and logs piled up against bridges.

Why so bad?

The four Rs

New Zealand's Civil Defence plans around four Rs. Reduction means lowering the risk, such as planting hills and building stopbanks. Readiness means planning before, with warnings, drills and grab bags. Response means acting during and just after, such as rescues and evacuation centres. Recovery means rebuilding lives and places, which can take years.

Moving away from danger

After Gabrielle, councils sorted land into categories. On the riskiest land, called Category 3, it was judged unsafe to keep living, and owners were offered buyouts so they could move. Planning to move people and buildings away from repeated danger is called managed retreat. It can save lives, but it also means leaving homes, marae, farms and memories behind, so the decisions are hard.