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Their slice of paradise has been destroyed

  • Final update before page closes

      24 July 2026

    Kia ora whanau

    This page is about to close so I thought I would give you an update on Mum and Dad's property. It has been a long 7 months with not a lot of movement. They have been waiting for help from the council and NZTA which is finally somewhat happening. They are getting their property raised and new fences hopefully before Summer. Mum has made their enclosed deck a green oasis with plants and herbs placed wherever she can. The land itself is still ruined and they are unable to replant anything. Everything has eventually died on the land so it will be a big job once the land is okay. They spent some money on hiring a big dump truck to move loads of debris and dirt but that is all they have spent. They will end up using the bulk of the money to move their cabin and tiny home onto higher ground once it is built up. Lets hope we are able to visit them soon as the boys are really missing their east coast holidays!

    Thank you again for your contribution. It is really really appreciated!

    Arna xxxx

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  • Keeping their heads up high

      12 February 2026

    Mum and Dad have been working hard to do what they can with the resources they have. There have been some disappointing times with the lack of help from certain organisations, and some very disappointing decisions have been made that impact on their property. Thankfully, a hui was held last night where concerns were expressed and the council is finally doing the mahi they need to on the stream. Unfortunately, they have left it a bit too late with heavy rain on the way. Their stream is now very shallow from the buildup of silt, which means it will flood as soon as any heavy rain comes, there is also major concern further up the stream which is Mum and Dad's biggest worry. There are a lot of fallen native trees and boulders that are waiting to get washed down the hill. This needs to be cleared ASAP but they are at the mercy of the council getting it done and the weather. At the moment we just need to pray that the rain isn't too heavy and persistent so they don't flood this weekend and the mahi gets done.

    Aroha nui to you all xx

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  • Lots of hands make small work!

      4 February 2026
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    Mum and Dad have been working hard everyday, digging and salvaging what they can from around the property. The army arrived this week and did some massive mahi around the tiny home, cabin and caravan. Some people friends from within the community also come over and did some epic digging to find lots of flower pots which are like mums like gold to mum! As the mud dries and the wind picks up, they won’t be able to spend all day there as it becomes a bit of a health hazard. They also still don’t have any running water as they lost their water source and their water pump for the tank got washed away. On a plus, all the awesome mahi Boots did will be picked up and removed from the property by some pick dump trucks!

    Thank you all once again!

    Lots of love

    Arna xx

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  • Cleanup is happening!

      28 January 2026
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    We are still completely blown away by the kindness of everyone! It’s restores your faith in humanity!

    Today a wonderful friend drove from Gizzy to mum and dads with his digger and worked hard all day clearing up what he could. A lot of the mud is still very wet which makes it hard to move! Lots was achieved but still lots to go one the mud dries up more!

    Love to you all xxx

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  • Scale of destruction

      26 January 2026

    This just gives you an idea of the extend of the damage.

    Mum, Dad and their wonderful friends are manually digging dirt/mud away from the cabin and deck as they have no access to a digger at this time. Lots of hard work but amazing how a community comes together during these tough times! They have a lot of support which is so heart warming xx

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  • Its a miracle!

      24 January 2026

    Firstly, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your generous donation. As a family, we are overwhelmed by the support shown from the wider community. The road has been cleared enough so they can now drive in and out of thw village. This means mum was finally able to see the property! It is an absolute blessing to find out that no water and mud got into their tiny home or cabin. The whole property is covered in mud/logs/debris and the mud is starting to leak through into the cabin. Their big job now is to dig all the mud away, find things that have been washed away and rebuild fences, gates, driveways, drainage and fix up the land. Thank you again!

    Much love

    Arna xx

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