A sense of cautious relief pervades the Mangatawa Papakāinga community as residents, evacuated due to a landslide threat, have begun returning to their homes.
The return follows an official declaration from geological analysts, relayed by the Mangatawa Pāpāmoa Blocks Incorporation, that the area is safe.
Around 200 people were evacuated to Te Whetu o Te Rangi Marae yesterday afternoon, following unprecedented rainfall that hammered the Tauranga region. The evacuation came a week after a fatal landslide on Mauao highlighted the immediate dangers posed by the weather event.
Despite the all-clear, some whānau are hesitant about returning so soon. Rhapsody Cooper, a mother-of-seven, voiced her concerns. “As far as we know our hill is full of water. It can come down on us in seconds. What’s happening? Do we come back and it could come down overnight? I’m still worried about it.” Earlier in the week, Cooper had expressed a desire for more answers regarding the lasting effects of the storm.
Jess McLeod, a resident and marae coordinator, spoke about the immediate impacts, including the cancellation of a booking this weekend. She also noted utility issues, saying, “The water is working. Power’s on. But I hear Wi-Fi and stuff like that is not working well.”
Piri McMath, Chairwoman of Mangatawa Papamoa Blocks Inc., affirmed that the priority remains the community’s safety. “I think emergencies will always trigger a reaction from us in terms of what we need to do to take care of our own… we also need to make decisions that will prioritize our own safety and the safety of our family.” She emphasized the need for the community to be proactive.
Just two homes were deemed unsafe for immediate return last night, a stark reminder of the significant damage from the past week’s weather. McLeod is now advocating for a collective response, urging, “I think we need to just all come together, have a hui. Put a plan together so that we know what or who to go to. What we need to do next, and yeah just keep supporting each other.”
The community will gather tonight for a feast at Te Whetu o Te Rangi Marae to thank the local iwi Ngāti Pukenga for hosting the 130 whānau who sought shelter at the marae.
