Measuring community wellbeingTe ine i te hauora o te hapori

2023 Post-Cyclone Community Wellbeing Survey

A Post-Cyclone Community Wellbeing Survey was completed 3-4 months’ following Cyclone Gabrielle to gain an understanding of the ongoing impacts of the Cyclone on the Ahuriri/Napier community.

The Survey covered the following topics:

• Cyclone Gabrielle impacts
• Psychosocial and physical wellbeing
• Post-cyclone concerns
• Safety perceptions
• Social connections, neighbourhood and support
• Disaster resilience & emergency preparedness
• Overall life satisfaction.

Read the full report here

The survey found: 

• Eight out of ten respondents were negatively affected by the Cyclone. Impacts included damage to property and/or valuables, health impacts, work loss or disruption, travel delays, and affected family members.
• Mental health and wellbeing concerns were reported by two out of three people (66%).
• Overall sentiment about life in Napier was lower than in 2022, with 60% rating their life as good or very good (down from 70%).
• Feelings of safety declined, with 38% reporting they feel safe, down from 62% in 2022.
• Social connections were high post-Cyclone (78% average agreement score, up from 74% in 2022).
• Levels of personal and community resilience were high - linked to strong social connections and the community coming together in the aftermath of the Cyclone to help each other out (77%).
• Emergency preparedness increased as a result of the Cyclone, with 72% of people saying they have subsequently arranged essential items such as food, water, cash, gas/fuel, a radio, and alternative cooking methods and lighting sources.