Ngatai- Cooper whanau devastated but lucky to be alive!

Give a little page for Bully, Huia, and their whanau,

The 21st of January 2026 will go down in the history books for our Matakaoa region, as arguably a greater weather event than both Cyclone Bola (1987) and Gabrille (2023).

Their home at Punaruku is at the foothills of Pukeamaru Maunga across the road from the Te Araroa motor camp, as you head over hill to Hicks Bay.

Even though Bully, Huia and their tamariki were well prepared, and set to move, a rapid surge from behind caused a flash flood and nothing prepared them for what was about to unfold!

They became trapped in their own home and had to navigate their way to the roof, to escape the advancing torrent of water surrounding their entire property.

Huge acknowledgements need to be made to Bully and Huia, who secured the safety of their Tamariki (5) in all the youngest being 3 years old on the roof in torrential rain for 5-6 hours till they could be rescued.

This whanau has lost absolutely everything, Home, contents, and vehicles and are very lucky to be still with us, any support no matter how little will be greatly appreciated!