Hastings, New Zealand — An extensive coroner’s investigation is underway into 18 deaths associated with Cyclone Gabrielle and earlier flooding events, including a probing look at whether inadequate response during the disasters may have contributed to these fatalities. The inquiry, led by Coroner Erin Woolley, encompasses a series of tragic events that started with severe flooding during the Auckland Anniversary Weekend beginning on January 27, 2023, and continued with the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, which struck two weeks later.
Among the victims were individuals ranging from a young toddler, Ivy Collins, who tragically lost her life as floodwaters inundated her family’s Eskdale residence, to 86-year-old Helen Street from Napier, who relied on an oxygen supply that may have been disrupted by the storm. The majority of those who died, thirteen in total, were men, highlighting a grim tally from these successive natural disasters.
The scope of the inquest, discussed during a session at the Hastings District Court, will include the consideration of deaths occurring in the subsequent months after the cyclone, underlining the prolonged impact of such catastrophic events. Specifically, three men whose deaths in March, April, and August were attributed to post-disaster circumstances, will be investigated as part of this inquiry.
Coroner Woolley’s approach mirrors the meticulous examination previously seen in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque attacks in 2019. The inquiry will scrutinize various aspects of the disasters, including the adequacy of public warnings issued, the known risks of landslides, and whether the emergency services’ responses were timely and sufficient.
For instance, in the Hawke’s Bay section, particular attention will be given to the known risks of flooding in specific areas like Te Karaka, Eskdale, and Puketapu, alongside planning decisions regarding residential developments vulnerable to such flooding. The coroner will also explore the effectiveness of flood warnings, the preparedness for weather events, and the response capabilities of emergency services, especially spotlighting instances where individuals in immediate peril were reportedly told no help was available when they dialed the emergency hotline, 111.
During the hearing, Jane Glover, a counsel assisting the bereaved families, underscored the critical nature of the situation for those who reached out for help during the cyclone only to find themselves unsupported. Coroner Woolley expressed concerns about how the emergency messaging might have influenced the decisions of those in distress during the crisis, potentially leading to panic, distress, or unsafe actions.
The inquiry will also address broader issues such as the likelihood of rivers overflowing, the role of forestry practices, and accumulated debris in exacerbating the floods, and how these might have contributed to the fatalities. Additionally, factors like the robustness of the telecommunications network, public information about road conditions, and the preparedness of health authorities and electricity suppliers to support individuals dependent on medical equipment will be evaluated.
Looking ahead, Coroner Woolley anticipates that the inquests will be conducted late next year, with hearings planned in both Auckland and Hastings. The fatalities will be categorized based on the related weather event and common issues arising from each incident, fostering a focused and comprehensive examination.
The deaths from the Auckland floods and those resulting from Cyclone Gabrielle in both Auckland and Hawke’s Bay will be grouped and reviewed together, offering a systematic approach to understanding each tragedy and potentially shaping more effective disaster responses in the future. This inquiry not only seeks to provide closure for the grieving families but also aims to pave the way for more resilient and responsive disaster management strategies in New Zealand.