My grandfather bought the Karekare house in 1963, then mum bought it in the '90s from her siblings.
It was rustic and cosy, really simple but beautiful, tucked up on the hill. When the storms came raging up the valley, I always felt safe.
Once an enormous storm took out power for 10 days, so we always knew to have enough food and water.
We were well prepared for Cyclone Gabrielle too, but no one expected it to hit like it did.
It had been raining all day and by the evening, I was restlessly pacing around when I heard a thud and about a foot of mud had slid down and hit the back of the house.
I tried to shut the window but it was warped from the impact.
That was the first sign.
A few minutes later, there was another thud. Pauly checked outside and a metre of mud had come down. I knew we had to get out. My daughter was in front of me and I was pushing her, propelling her forward.
The ground was coming apart beneath our feet and I heard this cracking sound, which was everything shattering.
My husband turned around to look and saw our house go. Our daughter's bedroom was upside down on the road about 20 metres below, and our bedroom broke away and ended up wedged in a põhutukawa tree.
It was unbelievable. I just bent over and put my head between my knees like, 'What just happened?'
This story is from the September 18, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 18, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The butt OF JOKES
Kevin wasn't so keen on wife Linda’s reaction to his medical emergency!
A space to CALL HOME
Michele reflects on finding your safe place
Gut REACTION
Want to live a healthier, happier life? Experts think the bacteria in your belly could be the secret to living well
Right as ROTI
This delicate Malaysian-style flatbread can be quickly prepared in a frying pan. Enjoy on its own or paired with a curry or soup
LAURA'S BACKYARD DRAMA
The theatre star’s taking The Bard's work to a familiar venue
PAULA & BREE'S SPECIAL BOND
The director admits her leading lady does a bett er job of being her than she does!
KEEPING UP WITH DUSKIE
With a special limb to fast-track her progress, there’s no stopping her now!
MKR SISTERS' KITCHEN CRED
Their taste buds are stronger than most, thanks to wacky childhood creations
'I COULDN'T TELL A SOUL'
In a top-secret mission, the TV star’s uncovered how Pippa took on the Nazis
HOW THEY PLAN TO WIN BACK FANS
The couple’s polo date is just the start of more fun and games