‘It affected everybody, but affected people differently’: the health and wellbeing impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle on East Coast communities of Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

In February 2023, Severe Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand with loss of life, extreme flooding, damage to homes, roads and infrastructure particularly in the regions of Te Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) and the Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay). This paper presents key findings from a qualitative study of the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle on community health and wellbeing in these two communities. Drawing upon interviews and focus groups with 143 residents of these two regions, we present five high-level findings, specifically the impacts on: (1) physical health, (2) mental wellbeing, (3) the most at-risk groups (i.e. residents with a disability, chronic illness, elderly), (4) rural and remote communities, and (5) communities of care. This paper contributes to Critical Disaster Studies, with a focus on the uneven health and wellbeing impacts of extreme weather events. It also highlights how communities come together to support one another, grieve and recover in relational and connected ways. Additionally, it underscores the value of trauma-informed, place-based methodologies for conducting ethical and responsible research within, by and for affected communities.