‘Grizzle, or get on with it’ – quake survivors
Lindy Ford walks past her ruined family home and extends a hand before apologising for the smell – she’s been feeding the pigs. In the face of losing her house, possibly even her property, she and husband Mick are unfalteringly polite.
The Fords live in one of Kaikoura’s worst-affected areas – Lyell Creek. Their house is riddled with cracks, parts of their backyard have opened up into small canyons and the back of their lifestyle block is sinking into the river.
Across the creek lies a collection of redstickered homes.
Most of these homes now lie abandoned.
But Lindy and Mick have to return to their lifestyle block twice a day to feed the animals. They use the time to check in on how the land’s shifted since their last visit.
The Fords have had almost a week to process the news that their home is unsalvageable – news that would have many in tears of distress, and rightfully so.
But the middle-aged couple, like so many Kaikourans, remain philosophical about the massive quake that ripped their lives apart.
No matter who you speak to, they’re certain the town will rebuild.
‘‘You’ve got two options: You’re either a grizzly guts or you get on with it,’’ Lindy says.
The Fords know things are going to be difficult in the coming weeks and months but they’ve already lodged an initial claim with EQC and they’re thinking of the future.
There’s no way the couple are leaving Kaikoura or Lyell Creek. This has been their home for more than 30 years and it’s going to stay that way.