The whole country is heartbroken by the damage inflicted by Cyclone Gabrielle - the ongoing reporting coming out of devastated regions such as Gisborne, Napier and Hastings it all just goes to show how unforgiving nature can be….and it’s hard to deny that the increasing frequency and intensity of these tragic events, whether they be in New Zealand or elsewhere, talks to a ‘diseased nature’ as a result of our own poor stewardship of the planet. 

It’s the randomness of these events which is so unsettling….some get caught up in the direct onslaught…whilst others count their blessings for having ‘dodged a bullet’ (at least this time). 

And on this occasion Taupo was, in relative terms, treated kindly and most of us are counting our blessings…shuddering a bit at what might have been. That said, Taupo did not escape entirely unscathed as everyone will know once we all awoke to see various trees uprooted and other visible damage from the winds. 

In my own neck of the woods, the Acacia Bay Community Hall took a direct hit (as per below) sustaining  unwelcome structural damage. 

And signs of similar damage were evident elsewhere as well...

But again, in relative terms, we dodged a bullet. 

What was so impressive, and something we perhaps take for granted...but we should stop and reflect on more...is how quickly and efficiently 'rate-payer services' kicked in: road management teams, inspection teams, tree-felling gangs and heavy engineering services were all out and about making sure the community and town remained safe with hazards identified and addressed. 

It's a somewhat perverse reality - but a real one nonetheless - that in times of adversity (big or small) we often see the best of humanity and community spirit emerge. That was on display here in Taupo...and we are seeing the evidence of it 'big time' in those places much more severely hit: be that from local councils, the central government, volunteer firemen, Urban Search and Rescue teams, NZ Defence Force personnel, the Police and welfare agencies  - to name but a few. It is these various services, and the professionalism they bring to their tasks, which are a good benchmark of the health of a society - what is our capacity and disposition to assist our fellow citizens in times of crisis. 

Credit: Rupert Holborow