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The last 18 months have been challenging for Aunty Wai, a resident of Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Her home was severely damaged by flooding during Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023 and became uninhabitable. She is one of many affected residents who have been working to clean up and rebuild.
On October 18, 2024, Aunty Wai had a reason to smile as she walked through her newly rebuilt home. This reconstruction is part of an initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is rebuilding five homes in the area. Two homes are now ready, with three more nearing completion.
Aunty Wai's son, Dr. Turuki Tahuri, expressed his emotions: “There’s a saying, I roto i te pōuritanga, ka whiti mai te marama, which essentially means in times of sadness light can shine through. This is one of the examples of that.” He added how moving it was to see his grandmother return home after such a long time.
A small gathering at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ meetinghouse on Campbell Street marked the occasion. Attendees included Aunty Wai; Manu and Julie Amato—recipients of another rebuilt home—and their families and friends.
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little praised the efforts: “You’ve done it! You’ve really led by example." Elder John R. Higgins from The Church noted the importance of reaching those overlooked by other organizations and emphasized community support: “We have come to see the need together as a community.”
Elder Higgins also highlighted the religious motivation behind these efforts: “The reason we do this is because of our love for Jesus Christ and the gospel.” Mayor Little presented framed artwork depicting Jesus Christ to the homeowners as parting gifts.
Arama Puriri from the Church mentioned that these efforts were made possible through donations from church members: “Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, is the perfect example of ministering to those that are in need.”
This project marks an important step towards recovery for families who lost their homes during Cyclone Gabrielle.
