Rebuilding after Cyclone Gabrielle: Carolyn and Fredericks story

Carolyn and Frederick’s home in Mangere faced a devastating blow during Cyclone Gabrielle, resulting in extensive flooding damage both internally and externally.

As a result, the carpets were removed, and household belongings were relocated to storage. Like so many families in our region they didn’t have house or contents insurance, leaving them unable to afford necessary repairs. 

The family of five ended up having to live and sleep together in one room for the last fourteen months, with the eldest daughter moving in with neighbours until interior repairs started this month.

Carolyn and Fredrick applied to Habitat’s Home Repair Programme and were able to access funding through Te Puni Kōkiri and the Fisher & Paykel Foundation funding to ensure these essential repairs are completed.

The repairs needed for this home are extensive, including a new roof, bathroom renovation, cladding and window repairs, external painting as well as additional storage to ensure the family can start living in their home fully again.

The homes exterior was prepped and painted thanks to support from Atlas Gentech NZ Ltd and Habitat Northern’s own operations team in late March.

Caroline expressed her gratitude to have the work on her home underway, she said, “Although this is only the first step in having our home done it has already lifted our spirits a lot. After the shed went up, we spent the weekend moving goods out of the house so we can start the repairs inside. We are also really active in the local sporting community and can’t wait to be able to host regular meetings at home again.”