Tasman's Rural Resilience Tested by Back-to-Back Storms

In the Tasman region of New Zealand, rural communities are grappling with the aftermath of two consecutive storms, each more devastating than the last. Farmers and residents are working tirelessly to recover, but the relentless weather has tested their endurance to its limits. This story delves into the challenges faced by those on the front lines of the disaster, highlighting their resilience and the urgent need for support.

A Region in Peril

As a journalist, I arrived in the Tasman region shortly after the first major flood in June, determined to document the stories of farmers still reeling from the disaster. However, my journey was immediately complicated by flight delays and road blockages, which delayed my arrival. Upon landing, the ominous low clouds over Nelson Airport were a clear warning of what was to come. Within 24 hours, a second State of Emergency was declared, leaving residents with little time to prepare.

Stories of Survival and Loss

In the Motueka Valley, I met Sandra Young, a local farmer who had already endured the first deluge. Her property had been completely submerged, and despite her efforts to protect her animals, the rising waters forced her to evacuate them once again. "We had five minutes to get them out," she explained, describing the chaos as water flooded the stable and reached the horses' chests and alpacas' necks. Tragically, many other animals were not as fortunate, with one beloved horse named Star washing up on a distant beach.

Disaster on Every Front

Along the Motueka Valley Highway, the damage was evident. Landslides had destabilized the roads, and fences were upended, tangled in debris. Vicki Adnam, a cattle farmer, described the devastation: her home had been submerged, and her tenanted cottage had been rendered uninhabitable. "We were upstairs, and it was just raging around us," she recalled, her voice filled with emotion.

Community Efforts and Volunteer Spirit

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the community has come together to assist in the recovery efforts. Jacob Lucas, from Nelson Marlborough Fish and Game, organized local anglers to help clear debris from farms. "A lot of the fences have been completely flattened," he noted, emphasizing the urgent need for cleanup. Meanwhile, Kevin Freeman, a dairy farmer on Rainy River Road, showed me the damage to his property, where the fertile topsoil had been washed away, leaving his land barren.

A Future Uncertain

The Frys, who run an award-winning hop garden, faced their own set of challenges. After the first flood, they began a massive clean-up, but the second storm has only compounded their struggles. "It's going to cost the business a lot of money," Andrew Fry's father said grimly, acknowledging the financial toll of the disaster. As the family prepared for the next deluge, they continued their work, undeterred by the odds.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Despite the destruction, there is a sense of resilience among the people of Tasman. Farmers like Sandra Young, Vicki Adnam, and the Frys are working tirelessly to rebuild their lives. Their stories are a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. However, the road to recovery will be long, and the region will need continued support to emerge from this crisis.

As the storms continue to test the limits of rural resilience, the people of Tasman remain determined to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Their perseverance in the face of such overwhelming challenges is a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and the unyielding spirit of those who call this region home.