Recovery
Tararua District Council’s formal recovery programme for Cyclone Gabrielle came to a close on 30 June 2025. The cyclone caused widespread damage across our district, particularly in the east, with roads washed out, farms and homes damaged, and communities cut off.
Over the past two years, Council, iwi, community groups, government agencies, and local organisations have worked together to repair damage, support residents, and strengthen resilience for the future.
Recovery structure
Recovery was coordinated through five interconnected workstreams, each with a dedicated lead and team:
- Rural Recovery – supporting farmers and rural communities with wellbeing, fencing, and access issues.
- Built Recovery – repairing roads, bridges, water systems, and critical infrastructure.
- Community & Social Recovery – providing wellbeing support, community events, training, and resilience initiatives.
- Economic Recovery – administering business grants, gathering local economic data, and supporting employers and workers.
- Natural Recovery – repairing rivers, removing debris, and enhancing flood warning systems.
This structure meant recovery work was coordinated, locally-led, and targeted to the needs of each part of the community.
Key projects and outcomes
The Cyclone Gabrielle recovery programme delivered a wide range of projects across Tararua. From repairing critical roads and bridges, to supporting farmers and local businesses, to building stronger community hubs, the focus has been on both restoring what was lost and preparing for the future.
These projects reflect the combined effort of Council, iwi, government agencies, and our communities — ensuring recovery wasn’t just about fixing damage, but about building long-term resilience.
Looking ahead
While the formal recovery office has now closed, recovery does not end for everyone. Many farmers, small businesses, and communities continue to face challenges, but the district is stronger and better prepared for future events thanks to the work completed.
The Cyclone Gabrielle recovery programme has set strong foundations for resilience: connected communities, improved infrastructure, and the knowledge that when adversity strikes, Tararua stands together.