“We’ve lost so much but our family is safe and thanks to the kindness of others, we’ll get through this,” says Sheryl Richardson, after Cyclone Gabrielle devastated her Uawa property.
Mother and daughter Sheryl and Steff Richardson (Ngāi Tahu, Ngati Mutunga) live on Tauwhareparae Road near Tolaga Bay. They also both work in the Te Ara Tiaki Pakeke (Healthy ageing) service team.
“When we heard how bad the cyclone could be, we came into town and Dad Colin and my daughter Bella stayed on the farm,” said Steff.
“We knew our pākeke (older persons) would need us.”
As the cyclone arrived and all communications went down, Sheryl and Steff had no idea how bad it was, but incredibly home welfare checks and support for their elderly were top of mind.
“We knew that medications and supplies would be running low and they would be worried,” she said.
They couldn’t believe it when, four days later, Colin and Bella turned up at the hospital.
“Everyone started clapping and cheering when they arrived. I was speechless,” said Sheryl.
He delivered the news that water and slash had swept through Steff’s house, along with tonnes of silt and slash. The bridge on their only way out was damaged. All fences were gone, along with many of their livestock.
Sheryl said Colin tried to save as many animals as he could, but there were too many. “He did everything he could - he even brought some of them inside.”
Steff said the silt and slash is three metres high across the property and until today there’s still a big piece of slash on her daughter’s bed.
“I’m grateful we’re all OK and we can stay with mum, but I don’t think anyone can understand this feeling until it’s happened to you.”
They have been blown away by the support from community, friends and colleagues.
“We’re just so grateful for the help and support we’ve received and people have just been so generous. I don’t know what we would have done without it.”
Nicola Barrington, Service Manager for Te Ara Tiaki Pakeke Healthy Ageing Service, said both Sheryl and Steff showed incredible dedication to the elderly, our pakeke, kaumatua and kuia, who depend on their services.
“Sheryl and Steff epitomise the selflessness and commitment to older persons’ health care in our community. As an experienced administrator Sheryl consistently goes the extra mile in her work, and in this emergency event her commitment to others has shone through.
“Steff, an Allied Assistant in our Home and Community Support Service, is steadfastly focussed not only on the immediate needs and health of her clients, but their welfare and wellbeing.
“On behalf of Tairāwhiti whānau I am very grateful we have these staff in our health Service.”