Message from Wairoa Mayor Craig Little

This Wednesday, March 8, marks the 35th anniversary of Cyclone Bola - which at the time was described as one of the costliest cyclones in the history of New Zealand.

As we reflect on the past 35 years, and the recent damage and destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, I can only hope our country will learn from its past, and now this current event, as we need to have increased resilience moving forward.

Cyclone Bola claimed lives, flooded homes, businesses and land and severed Wairoa’s northern and southern sides with the washing out of our road bridge. Cyclone Gabrielle has left a similar legacy.

Three weeks on from Cyclone Gabrielle and there is still a real sadness in our community. We are a stoic lot, but we are also tired and are facing a massive rebuild.

To all those people who have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, my heart goes out to you. Please be assured we are working to look after everyone in our community to the best of our ability.

Locally, we are still responding to the immediate welfare needs of our community.

As we move forward, into a recovery mode, we will be working with other partners, including Central Government, to ensure we come back stronger and better placed to face our future.

For more information about our Cyclone Gabrielle response, click the button below.

Cyclone Gabrielle

6 March 2023

Back to Archive