Whitianga fire victims together
We had people working on each other’s places who hadn’t talked to each other for years. Helen Lee
they realised it was out of control because it was too windy.”
Lee agreed, saying it didn’t matter.
“The fire has happened and we are putting the land back together and no matter how the fire started, it’s the same result.”
Dennis and Paul were close to losing their home as the flames closed in. The helicopters were stood down about midnight and were due back up again at 6am. Dennis de- scribed them like angels in the sky as they began circling her home, dousing it in water which would eventually save it.
“The helicopters started again and it was just pure luck. Then they concentrated on the houses that hadn’t burnt down.”
They had taken heed of firefighters’ recommendations to protect their home by creating more green space and planting new grass around their home and creating fire breaks amongst the bush.
In total they’ve shelled out about $20,000 on their property including buying a second water tank. They were grateful for the Mayoral Fund which amassed about $20,000. They applied for $2000 to help buy some new grass and fix the road.
“We’ve had to work quite hard at restoring things, it’s cost us a lot of money . . . yeah, we’re insured but we weren’t insured for things like a new water tank.”
She thanked fire crews for hanging around for weeks after the fire, dampening down hot spots.
“They didn’t let us down,” she said.
Back at Lee’s property, she’s been floored by help from the local community. It began with a $2000 donation from the Lions Club and $10,000 worth of trees — for the whole hill — from Waikato Regional Council.
“There were quite a few rattled relationships on the hill and we had people working on each other’s places who hadn’t talked to each other for years so it was quite good. It drew people together and even the guy whose place the fire started on, a whole bunch of volunteers went and did some planting there.
“I think it was quite a healing time.”
The local Kea, Brownies and Scouts groups planted 500 trees with help from leaders, parents and their children.
“The dads got around and dug all the holes and the kids were running round with trees and [fertiliser] tablets and sticks. It was magic, actually.
“It was then we sort of realised we can do this.”
After the fire she spent nine months living with friends in Whitianga. When spring arrived she knew she had to get back to the hill so bought a caravan to plonk on the site.
She was keen to rebuild but was wary of the hoops she’ll have to jump through with new building regulations.
As for how her property is now, natural regeneration had seen new growth, new leaves sprouting off the branches of charred trees, and a view she’d never seen before.
“You couldn’t see that view with all the bush. It’s sort of like discovering the land again.”
She said the best thing was knowing nobody died.
“It’s brought people together and brought out the best in us I think. There’s been many blessings. I kept myself sane by working to recreate order from chaos.
“It will be nice to build another place eventually, I think. I feel quite excited about the future.
“I’m really lucky, aren’t I?”