KareKare Recovery
In August 2024, I began working as a Community Connector with Kia Kaha Karekare to support the creation of the Community-Led Recovery Plan after Cyclone Gabrielle. The cyclone caused devastating landslides, road closures, and the loss of homes, leaving the community facing long-term uncertainty.
My role has been to engage with residents, listen to their concerns, and help facilitate communication between the community, council, and other stakeholders. This included coordinating meetings, supporting affected households, and ensuring that the voices of local people were central to recovery planning.
Working alongside Community Think, the community coordinator, and local volunteers, I helped shape a collaborative process that emphasised transparency, empathy, and inclusion. I also produced a local monthly newsletter to keep the community in the loop.
Although the contract timeline came to an end, the recovery plan continues to evolve as a living document, reflecting the community’s priorities for safety, wellbeing, and the future of Karekare.
