Under the Weather

Under the cover of night, the river swells. All hopes of escape from Sudley Farm are swallowed whole.⚠️ This episode follows a harrowing ordeal in Dartmoor and deals with loss of life. Listener discretion advised.It’s 1988 and Cyclone Bola leaves its mark on the collective memory of Hawke’s Bay and NZ. Sally and David Prins had already been farming in Dartmoor for about 15 years and remember the construction of the stop bank that followed. Completed in 1992, it was designed to withstand a1-in-100-year event. But 30 years later, it’s no match for Cyclone Gabrielle. As the rain falls, the homes dotted around Sudley Farm are on a deadly collision course with the Tutaekuri River. This is the story of the desperate ordeal that follows.In this episode, Kristin takes listeners into the heart of Dartmoor Valley, where 3 families recount their horrific experiences during Cyclone Gabrielle. We hear from Sally Prins, with her neighbours Lynn McKenna (also Sally and David’s ex-daughter-in-law) and Meg Becker. They recount their terrifying escape from rapidly rising flood-waters in the dark pre-dawn of Feb 14th 2023. As with so many others caught in the chaos that day, the only way was up. Listen to their story as they navigate the challenges of catastrophic flooding – with lives on the line and no outside help until after the worst had passed. Fearing the worst but clinging to threads of hope, most of the residents of Sudley Farm are eventually plucked from their roofs by helicopter.  Their narrative also highlights the invaluable support from the local community in the absence of anything meaningful from the ‘authorities’. They revisit the importance of emergency preparedness and also offer some sound advice. It’s not only an incredible story of survival, but of courage and resilience as they endure what followed. They reflect on a lucky escape with gratitude and new perspectives.If you enjoyed listening to SUDLEY FARM, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more.https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastChapters00:00  Introduction 01:43  Meet Sally, Lynn and Meg.02:52  The Calm before the storm04:50  Waking to water.06:10 Moving to higher ground 09:45 A 111 call.12:36 Naomi leads the way14:00 The water keeps coming16:55  An exit strategy22:30 On the roof.31:15 Rescue33:10 Refuge and reunion35:40 The outside world 37:45 Disbelief39:10 Lessons learned?42:10 One foot in front of the other49:05 Another reunion51:00 Mary52:18 Lost and found54:00 Back on the farm…almost55:25 Good advice57:00 Laughter is the best medicine.58:00 The best of friends01:01:13  Conclusion and dedication ⚠️Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nzFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/Note Since recording this episode it has been brought to my attention that there was no pre-existing stopbank along this stretch of the Tutaekuri River. So the stop bank built in the early 1990s was 'from scratch', not an upgrade of an existing structure.All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.

Continue the tour of duty with Davey and Storm in flood-ravaged Esk Valley and beyond.⚠️ This episode contains reflections on Cyclone Gabrielle which may be distressing to some listeners. Discretion is advised.Storm has learned that the trail of destruction extends far beyond Esk Valley. Davey has heard terrible news in the control room as distress calls pour in from around the region. The situation is grim. Join them and their 5/7 Battalion whanau as they forge onward through the crisis. They also share deeply personal reflections on the emotional toll of a deployment on home turf.This episode continues the journey of Sergeant Storm Harrison and Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes as they share their reflections on this very personal mission. They discuss the challenges faced by them, their families and their community, and the resilience and courage required to recover. This episode delves into their roles within the Army Reserves, highlighting the vital contributions made by their unit and the importance of strength in diversity. The discussion also covers the recognition they received, including the Chief of Defence Force commendation. They talk about what can be done differently in the future - when the next disaster strikes. They also touch on some of the consequences of living in Category 3 in the 'Managed Retreat' that followed on the heels of Cyclone Gabrielle. The episode concludes with a tribute to their families and community, showcasing the strength and unity that helped them through a time of crisis.If you enjoyed listening to NZDF: ONWARD, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more.https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastTe Reo TranslationsAroha  loveHinengaro  the mind.Kai  foodKapai  goodKorero  to talk,Mahi  workTautoko acknowledge or pay respects toWhaikorero  formal speech or addressWhakapapa  roots, as in lineage or descentWhanau familyWhare  house or dwellingChapters00:00 Recap and introduction00:35 Briefly in Bay View01:00 Family impacts02:45 2 different worlds03:08 A community living in fear05:30 The distribution hub07:30 Billy (and some more about him later….)08:40 A lot of love for the Reserves10:20 Accolades14:35 A trip to Wellington17:10 The emotional toll(19:45-52 ⚠️)23:35 What about next time?26:30 Onward29:30 Recruitment30:45 The curse of Category 331:15 Living the Dream32:15  Further acknowledgement33:20 Aroha33:40 Conclusion to the NZDF story34:45  A dedication ⚠️Follow Cyclone Gabrielle Stories on FacebookFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nzFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.

Cries for help slice through the roar of water as Storm and Davey arrive in Esk Valley.⚠️ This episode includes references to the tragic loss of life in the Esk Valley area during Cyclone Gabrielle. Listener discretion is advised.SSGT Davey Forbes and SGT Storm Harrison arrive at 03:30 as water pours through Esk Valley. As they plough into the flood, a massive surge swamps the Unimog and forces a hasty retreat. It’s a near miss that almost ends in disaster. They must regroup, reassess and evacuate those they can. When they return to the valley at daybreak, they’re confronted by scenes of total devastation. This is home turf, and the enormity of it weighs heavily as the search for survivors begins.Storm and Davy recount the harrowing events of February 14th when Cyclone Gabrielle struck Hawke’s Bay. Everyone had under-estimated the scale of Cyclone Gabrielle, but fortunately, Storm had returned home early from a major training exercise in Waiouru. As the cyclone unleashed its fury, they mobilised at 2 AM to rescue a trapped family between Napier and Taupo. But on the way, they discovered the unfolding disaster in Esk Valley. They battled treacherous conditions to reach those who’d become trapped by rising floodwaters and were almost swept away themselves. Local knowledge and camaraderie proved crucial in their response as hours turned into days and days into weeks. Despite emotional and physical exhaustion, they pushed forward, driven by the connection to their home turf. (See below the meaning of Turangawaewae). Both men underscore the importance of preparedness and local expertise in disaster response. Their narrative also highlights the collaborative efforts between military, police, firefighters, and locals, painting a vivid picture of resilience and heroism in the face of disaster.If you enjoyed listening to HOME TURF, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastPlease note the following:No one died on Glengarry RdSOP = standard operating procedureCDEM = Civil Defence Emergency Management Te Reo TranslationsAue  an exclamation of annoyance or distressMahi  workMana  a presence of power, authority or statusMarae  a complex of meeting areas at the heart of a traditional Maori community. Used for formal and informal occasions.        Marae atea: the open courtyard or public forum in front of the meeting house        Wharenui: the meeting house itself (also often referred to as the marae)        Wharekai: dining and kitchen areasPanui   An announcement or messageTamariki  ChildrenTurangawaewae  The direct translation is a place to stand, but the meaning is much more powerful. A place of origin, connection and deep roots.Whanau FamilyWhenua   Land, territory or domain.Chapters00:00  Intro and recap of Episode 200:38  February 13th05:10  Davey gets a call-up.08:00  Bay View10:45  Getting to Esk Valley13:25  Eskdale School16:20  Taking the plunge19:20  Regroup21:00 Evacuate22:40  A small world23:30 A good swimmer24:05  A brief diversion24:45  Back in Bay View @ 06:3026:00  Don’t die26:25  HQ27:45 Triage29:50  CDEM32:10 Esk Valley33:10 Cutting a track34:05 The Navy SEAL brothers35:30 Search and Rescue40:20  Quicksand42:45  The cavalry arrive44:00  Eskdale Drive50:30-50:45⚠️52:20-53:00 ⚠️50:50  Emotional impacts54:30  Control & command.58:20  Beyond Esk Valley58:30-58:45 ⚠️1:03:20 Pan Pac Mill1:05:50 Local knowledge1:07:20 An uncertain future1:07:45 Next week….Follow us on social mediahttps://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nzhttps://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/Transcripts AI generated

Join SSGT Davey Forbes and SGT Storm Harrison on global deployments as they set the scene for Cyclone Gabrielle.⚠️ This episode refers to NZDF personnel who have died in the line of duty. Listener discretion advised.Davey and Storm were among the first to arrive in Esk Valley before dawn on February 14th. Before sharing their story, they offer some fascinating insights into our defence force. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear first-hand accounts of deployments all over the world as they set the scene for their role as first responders during Cyclone Gabrielle.In this episode of Under The Weather, Kristin introduces Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes and Sergeant Storm Harrison. Both Hawke’s Bay born and bred, and both now serving as army reservists. Before their time in the Army Reserves (formerly known as The Territorials), they also served in the regular force or ‘RF’. They share their personal and professional journeys, highlighting deployments and other experiences with the New Zealand Defence Force. Davey recounts his varied career, from starting as a mechanic to his work as a physical training instructor and passion for high-performance sports. His memories include a deployment to East Timor, playing rugby in Northern Ireland (a military ‘gap-year’), and his efforts in the rehabilitation and recruitment spaces. Storm shares his path from Napier Boys' High School to basic training to seasoned soldier. He vividly recalls his tours of duty in East Timor, Sinai, and Antarctica, reflecting on the camaraderie and challenges faced. Both Davey and Storm provide a poignant account of their careers, underlined by personal sacrifice, dedication, and service. They drill down into what it means to be part of the New Zealand Defence Force. These narratives set the stage for their response to Cyclone Gabrielle.If you enjoyed listening to NZDF: BROTHERS IN ARMS, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more.https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastTe Reo TranslationsHaka collective name given to ceremonial dances used for various occasions - sometimes in welcome, sometimes in challengeKa Mate a haka performed to signify survival and triumphKia Ora informal greeting or helloPakeha New Zealander of European descentTamariki childrenTautoko to acknowledge and supportUrupa  cemeteryWairua  spirit or soulWhānau familyChapters00:00 Introduction to Under The Weather01:35 Meet Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes02:05 Meet Sergeant Storm Harrison02:30 1998 -Davey and Storm meet each other04:30 Davey's Career Journey06:50 East Timor09:00 Rugby and high-performance sport10:20 Rehabilitation11:45 Reserves and Recruiting13:15 Storm's Career Journey14:10 East Timor20:30 Gallipoli on ANZAC Day24:40 Sinai/The Iraq War27:20 Antarctica28:25 Back in East Timor29:30 A few good men. (⚠️ NZDF personnel who have been lost in the line of duty)31:25 Brief conclusionFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nzFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated

Cam's rescue efforts are nearly sunk at the end of episode 9. How does he resurface?⚠️ This episode may be distressing for some listeners. Loss of life and some harrowing escapes are covered in this episode.We left Cam Taylor in deep water at the end of episode 9. Join him with Tara Taylor and Geoff Keighley for this final episode of S1 of UNDER THE WEATHER. Geoff and Cam are relentless in their efforts, rescuing nearly 200 people. Don't miss Part 2 of this incredible story as more rescues unfold and response becomes recovery.With pilot Geoff Keighley, Cam is about to embark on one of the most challenging rescues of the day – but must haul himself out of trouble first. The day and the phenomenal rescues roll on and on until it gets dark. Because of the failed comms, Tara has no way of knowing where or how Cam is. Around mid-afternoon, she receives a video from Geoff Keighley, and it takes her a few heart-stopping moments to understand what she’s seeing. The end of the day brings them back together, and their recollections of this result in a highly entertaining recap of events. There are a few wardrobe malfunctions and a lot of laughter.Geoff and Cam also have some incredible reunions with the people they’d rescued. Some of these were many months later at the Puketapu Pub. Known to locals as ‘The Puketap’, it was also flooded. Despite that, it played an integral role in community recovery. When Cam and Geoff, along with many of those they'd rescued, attend its re-opening, there are some emotionally charged reunions. As the stories and drinks flow, Cam and Geoff begin to get a true perspective of how many lives they saved - more than they'd realised.Geoff flies under the radar and gets the better of civil defence once more. Geoff Keighley - Two. Civil Defence - Zero! Cam andTara reflect on the enormous impact on Taylor Corp and the horticultural sector in general. They also reflect on the personal costs as they continue to plough through a lengthy recovery process. Tara shares some powerful reflections on life and the shifting landscape of friendships in the wake of disaster.Notes:Hayden is the usual Taylor Corp pilot and was rescuing people by jet boat when Tara reached him on the morning of Cyclone Gabrielle.Cam and Geoff aren’t 100% sure of the exact number of people they rescued. The numbers referred to in this episode of UNDER THE WEATHER are:150 – this is the initial rescues of RSE workers from riverside accommodation blocks.200 – their estimate of the total number of rescues (some months later) once they'd had time to process the events.If you enjoyed listening to TAKING FLIGHT PART TWO, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more:https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastChapters00:00  Cam is in deep water00:45  A difficult rescue03:50  Noah’s Ark06:15  Back on Sudley Farm08:10  The Puketapu Pub09:20  Kiwi hospitality10:20  Tara12:00  ‘That ain’t happening buddy’13:50  A long day on their roof.14:40  Cam is in a state.19:15  Geoff’s out to lunch20:30  Day 2 in Dartmoor22:40  The beer fridge23:45  No comms 26:00  Flying under the radar28:40  Grounded30:20  A bloody mess32:00  Bumper to bumper33:00  Fruitless34:40  Limbo36:00  Life or death38:00  Old dogs, new tricks38:40  A near miss for Napier39:10  Trapped40:10  Exit strategy  41:00  New connections and final reflections45:10 ConclusionFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nzFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/All Transcripts for Under the Weather are AI-generated.        

A narrow escape. A chance meeting. Water rises around the chopper as Cam and Geoff take flight.⚠️ Some content may be distressing. Listener discretion is advised.The Taylor family home is perched 12 meters above the Tutaekuri River. But by 5.30am on February 14th 2023, the river is on their doorstep and rising. There's no time for anything but escape. They're lucky to get out with their lives and their dogs. Once they're safe, Cam's thoughts turn to his RSE workers. They also live on the river. He has a chopper, but can't reach his usual pilot. In a stroke of incredible luck, another is on the scene.For Cam and Tara Taylor, Valentine's Day 2023 started with a rude awakening and a narrow escape. Staying home isn't an option, but leaving is also a huge risk. They plough through deep water, which is coursing over the local roads like rapids. They can only watch as other vehicles are swept away. When they reach the safety of their family business, Cam has one thought. Rescuing his orchard workers from the riverbanks. By air is the only way, and the skids of the chopper are almost submerged as they take flight. Tara remains on the ground and has to outrun the water for a second time that day. This is just the beginning of their day, and of an incredible story about to unfold.Cam and pilot Geoff Keighley are airborne. The extent of flooding across the region is severe and widespread. Like nothing they could have ever imagined. They rescue Cam's RSE workers, along with others, from nearby orchards. Maybe a hundred in total. They quickly lose count. The pace is relentless, and they take the door off the chopper to allow rapid loading and unloading. They later describe these rescues as the 'easy' ones. Once the RSE teams are safe, they begin to find people on their roofs. And later, in their roofs. Throughout the day, they continue to discover precarious situations where lives hang in the balance. Cam himself is in a difficult spot as part one of Taking Flight concludes. This incredible story of escape, survival and daring rescues is TBC in Taking Flight part two.If you enjoyed listening to TAKING FLIGHT PART ONE, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more:https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastChapters00:00 Intro02:10 Geoff05:30 Cam & Tara06:50 Taylor Corp07:45 Before the cyclone09:30 Escape 15:00 SOS Geoff18:00 Right place, right time19:20 Pre-flight24:20 Airborne25:00 Another narrow escape30:20 The 'easy' rescues33:40 Shit gets real40:15 Traps for young players43:40 Cam hits the roofFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nzFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/All transcripts for Under the Weather are AI-generated.

After a deluge of impossible choices, Al is all out of options. ⚠️ This episode covers some distressing themes, including suicide and the loss of Al's dogs. Listener discretion is advised.After a stormy night, all seems well as day dawns on February 14th 2023. They've dodged a bullet, but the gun is loaded. Before long, Pakowhai is under siege as the rivers close in on the small, rural community. There's no high ground and nowhere to go. Surrounded by rising water, Al's focus is on who needs help - people and animals alike. Not all can be saved. When he takes refuge on a shipping container, Al doesn't think he will be either. Rescue comes, but the reprieve of survival is short. The long battle that follows is raw and unforgiving as he stares down the barrel of grief and loss. Join Al on this journey from heartache to healing.Originally from Shropshire in the UK, Al had immigrated nearly 30 years previously with his Kiwi partner, Ali. A dairy farmer already, he was a perfect fit for his new life in rural New Zealand. As their boys grew, so did the farms, and Al decided it was time for a change. A love of dogs and a natural affinity with our canine companions steered Al in new directions. Nearly 20 years and thousands of wagging tails later, he is widely known as 'The Dogman'. But in early 2023, a catastrophic event tore through their lives. A home, a business, a way of life, were suddenly gone. In their place, trauma, grief and uncertainty. There were no new directions. No blueprint or map. Just a silt-covered road to nowhere.Al’s first steps along this road were heavy. Despair set like concrete, and there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Overwhelmed and unmoored, he needed an anchor to hold him steady—an anchor to halt the drift into desperation and darkness. This is a story of Al finding his anchors. In some cases, the anchors find him. As he turns the ship around, his journey is transformed into one of resilience and redemption. If you enjoyed listening to FROM HEARTACHE TO HEALING, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more:https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastChapters00:00 Intro01:40 Meet Al04:50 The good life06:00 Everything changes08:30 Refuge10:10 Oblivious11:00 A few deep breaths12:50 Shine the torch on your feet14:15 A dark place16:50 The community rallies20:10 Pounamu22:30 No respite24:40 Gratitude28:00 What NOT to say...30:30 Looters31:30 Divide & Conquer - Insurance34:30 Divide & Conquer - Councils37:40 A kick in the guts40:20 Legacies 42:15 A tribute43:30 An unexpected new chapter44:30 Rock bottom45:25 The light at the end of the tunnel47:20 Arthur49:10 A better person51:20 Dinner club52:30 Sound advice55:45 Time to regroup57:15 ConclusionFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nzFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/Transcripts for Under the Weather are AI-generated.

Trapped amidst the carnage, the Cave family waits as a desperate search begins.⚠️ Some listeners may be distressed by this content.When all hope of rescue is gone, they are forced to spend the night in their flooded home. They lie awake as it slowly disintegrates around them. Their youngest daughter, Alex, is enduring her own ordeal. Undeterred by false reassurance, she embarks on a relentless search for her missing family. It is thanks to Alex that Suzanna, Neal and Sam are eventually found. Join them as they reflect on rescue, reunion and recovery.Part One ended with deathly silence and an unlikely visitor. It is only one of several enigmatic signs dotted throughout their story.  As the air around them comes to life with the steady chop of helicopter blades, it appears that rescue is imminent. But no one can see them. The water recedes, exposing the wreckage beneath and exposing Neal and Sam to a 15-meter descent with nothing to cushion the fall.Once back on the ground, they find their beautiful home is unrecognisable. The remaining water, silt and overturned furniture make it almost impossible to navigate. Particularly with their Labrador Ted, who also needs to traverse the wreckage. Rescue doesn’t come and neither does sleep during a long night of frightening noises. Creaking. Dripping water. Smashing glass. The crashing of ceilings collapsing beneath them.The day that follows begins with false hope and a perilous trek through the hazardous debris of what was once their home. The 5 of them and Ted spend a long day outside waiting for a helicopter that never returns. Fortunately, thanks to Alex, help does eventually arrive.Neal, Suzanna and Sam recount their dramatic rescue and the reunion that follows. Their story then becomes one of recovery and new directions. They share some interesting new perspectives, and the conversation touches on survivor's guilt, prophetic dreams, wine and much more. Don't miss the uplifting conclusion to their story as they find triumph amidst the tragedy of Cyclone Gabrielle.If you enjoyed listening to ALCHEMY PART TWO, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more:https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastChapters00:00 Recap00:35 A long way down06:50 No time to die08:30 A sleepless night10:50 Day 212:45 A long wait15:40 The 11th hour.19:10 Airborne20:00 Alex24:50 Ground Zero27:10 Where do you start?31:10 The end of a dream33:50 Alchemy36:40 The Puketapu Bridge37:40 New Perspectives39:10 Global disasters and survivors guilt41:10 ConclusionFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nzFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.

A bridge falls. A river rises. The Cave family wake up to a home under siege.⚠️ Some listeners may be distressed by this content.In the early hours of February 14th 2023, a family sleeps. None of them knows what’s coming, but Sam has a haunting premonition. Only a few hours later, they wake up surrounded by flooding. Those who’ve slept downstairs are trapped; hostages to the river. As Neal fights to free them, Suzanna hears the front door splintering under the pressure of the rising water. They need to move fast.This is a story of paradise lost. A Tuscan villa. A lush vineyard, almost ready to yield its grapes. A harvest that never happens. The Cave family watch in shocked disbelief as a way of life is swallowed whole. The water silently follows them as they retreat upstairs. When it begins lapping over the balcony, they must weigh up their options. They eye up the hills in the distance, but the water there is torrential. Swimming is quickly ruled out. Not knowing when the water will stop, Neal and Sam undertake huge risks to get onto the roof. Once there, they survey a scene of endless flooding. It’s so extensive that a terrible thought immediately strikes them - the whole of Hawke’s Bay is gone.Fortunately, a brief exchange with Alex tells them otherwise. But this is just the beginning of a 2-day ordeal for all of them. Near the end of this episode, Neal and Sam spot an enormous shipping container heading directly for the house as Suzanna prepares their guests to swim for their lives.If you enjoyed listening to ALCHEMY PART ONE, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more.https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastChapters00:00  Intro01:40  Suzanna, Neal and Sam03:55  A Tuscan villa05:25   Before the cyclone10:10  A premonition12:45  The cold light of day17:30  Trapped21:30  Retreat24:30  Spiderman26:20  A leap of faith28:20  The roof30:40  Alex33:15  The tide turns35:00 A precarious perch36:50  A near miss40:00 Deathly silence41:00 To be continued….Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nzFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI-generated. 

Two brothers, two families, one night that changes everything.⚠️ This story may be emotionally distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.It’s near midnight on February 13th 2023, when Philip and Chris realise it’s too late to escape the rising threat in Esk Valley. As the river continues to rise, their options evaporate. Within hours, their homes and businesses are lost forever. In this opening episode of ‘Under the Weather’, they share their remarkable stories of survival, loss and recovery.In this episode of 'Under The Weather', we hear from Philip and Chris Barber. Hailing from a family steeped in the traditions of winemaking and brewing, the two brothers wanted to keep the family legacy alive. Petane Wines and Zeelandt Brewery in Esk Valley were where their aspirations turned into reality. However, flooding was a semi-regular and unwelcome feature of life beside the Esk River. Usually, an idyllic ribbon of water meandering along the northern edge of the Valley. But sometimes a raging monster. In 2018, a '1-in-100' year event wreaked havoc for them and other residents of Esk Valley, leading to evacuations and significant damage. They thought the worst-case scenario was behind them. But 5 years later, Cyclone Gabrielle unleashed its fury over the Esk River catchment.With water levels rising rapidly and evacuation warnings that came too late, both families were forced into a fight for their lives. The lush green paradise of Esk Valley was transformed into a brown wasteland of sludge and debris. Amid the aftermath, the unwavering support of the community and their own determination saw them through the darkest hours. Both families eventually found solace in higher ground. Join us as we recount their journey of survival and the rebuilding that followed, a testament to the power of family, community, and undying hope. Their story reminds us that disasters can strike anywhere, but it's how we come together that defines our resilience.If you enjoyed listening to LAST DRINKS, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more.https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-storieshttps://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcastChapters 00:00 Introduction to Under The Weather01:45 The 2018 flood06:10 Cyclone Gabrielle is coming.07:25 Preparations08:40 Flooding begins11:20 Too late to leave15:10 The only way is up.21:36 A beacon of hope for Philip and Sarah.22:10 The ordeal continues for Chris and Luciana26:40 The Navy SEALs29:50 On dry land31:50 Reflections on survival33.45 A community rallies35:25 Overwhelm37.45 Philip's photo-shoot39:30 New perspectives40:50 Esk Valley41:50 Recovery43:40 Good advice45:10 New horizons47.15 Gratitude and conclusionFollow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nzFollow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/Philip and Chris grew up in the Kumeu-Huapai area northwest of Auckland. This is also a flood-prone area. Listen here to the story of Kumeu and the uncertain future a whole town faces as a result of repeated flooding. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6xgUEMtPmhROgMM98JQvu1All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.