Wairoa was one of the hardest-hit regions by Cyclone Gabrielle. This morning, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies met the Mayor, Craig Little and Councillors, as well as members of the Response Team helping whanau with the repair of houses. They saw first-hand the impacts of flooding during site visits to the magnificent Takitimu Marae and a private home currently being repaired and refurbished.
You can find more images from Their Excellencies' time in Wairoa in the Wairoa image gallery.
This afternoon, Dame Cindy visited Nuhaka School. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, the school community was forced to relocate several times, with their buildings entirely flooded out. The school has found a temporary home at the meetinghouse of the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints until they can be returned to their original site, which is be reopened in early 2025.
In her speech, Dame Cindy acknowledged the bravery and resilience of the Nuhaka School community: ‘The beautiful wairua of this school represents the courage and resolve of many dedicated people, and carries the hopes and dreams of many more. I wish everyone here, all the very best for your future.’
You can find more images from the very special visit in the Nuhaka School image gallery.