Source: Auckland Council
The Pollok Community Hall and Emergency Hub is working with the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office, helping drive recovery planning in the Āwhitu community. This is part of a series of partnerships in heavily-impacted communities across Auckland. Communities are being supported to develop practical plans, which will include activities and priorities that can be delivered to improve well-being and flourishing as they recover.
Since major 2023 storms affected the Āwhitu region, its resourceful local communities have come together to help each other move forward with resilience.
At the heart of this collective effort is the Pollok Community Hall and Emergency Hub, led and delivered by the community. As recovery continues, the group is working alongside residents, businesses and organisations to rebuild with hope, and the aim of leaving no one behind.
Mayor Wayne Brown assesses slip damage in Awhitu
A community tested by adversity
Storms in early 2023 caused widespread disruption, leaving many local families, homes and businesses in distress. Being on a peninsula, power outages, flooding and damage to infrastructure made life difficult for the community. But despite the challenges, the spirit of solidarity emerged as neighbours helped each other and local organisations quickly mobilised.
“We’ve had big storms before but Cyclone Gabrielle was different,” says Peter Sharps, Chairman of Pollok Community Hall and Emergency Hub.
“We just help each other. Whether it’s providing shelter for people that can’t access their homes, or locals using bulldozers to move trees off the road.”
Local farmer Richard Craig adds, “My family has been here since the 1860s. So, we were well-prepared, but the storm trashed everything.”
“Seven out of eight bridges on my property were submerged, and an arterial road collapsed onto our property. I had no income for six months while repairing the farm. But I survived with support from my bank, the Ministry of Primary Industries, and businesses were kind, offering discounted supplies which made a huge difference.”
Peter Sharps (credit Hon Andrew Bayly MP)
Pollok Community Hall and Emergency Hub: Aligning with our mission
The group is dedicated to serving the community through a hall and emergency centre.
“Our mission is to strengthen the local community by fostering connections, offering vital services, and preserving historically significant sites,” says Peter. “This requires bringing people together. So, since the storm, we’ve organised several community meetings and formed a steering group to help shape a recovery plan that reflects the diverse needs of the community.”
“It’s hard to get people to come together for anything,” says committee member Francie Craig. “So, it was amazing to see so many people show up for our recovery planning meeting.”
As recovery progresses, the focus has shifted from immediate relief to long-term planning. Auckland Council is supporting through initiatives including disaster preparedness workshops and local recovery support.
“Wind and rain caused major damage,” says local Ian McNaughton. “I lost two acres of fencing and water supply. The rain wiped out the well, and damaged trees. With only one road in and out after Pollok, I’m keen for us to think about access to the peninsula.”
The community’s focus is on building a united approach to recovery that is sustainable and accessible for all. This includes developing a united vision as well as planning the practicalities like generators and making sure accommodation/refuge are available for everyone.
Āwhitu Road slip repaired
Get involved in recovery planning
The group invites everyone in the community to participate in recovery efforts.
“Whether attending a planning session, volunteering or contributing ideas for future projects, your involvement is essential to rebuilding stronger than before,” says Peter. “Our recovery won’t succeed without everyone’s contribution. This is a collective effort, and everyone’s voice is critical in shaping our path forward.”
All residents are encouraged to join in recovery meetings and events, share their thoughts, and help create a recovery plan that works for everyone.