Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand 2023-24 community wellbeing North Island weather events. Cyclone Gabrielle focus. Auckland overview

Extract

Executive summary

The main aim of this research was to gain insight into the wellbeing of communities affected by the 2023 North Island Weather Events, including Cyclone Gabrielle. The research began with quantitative data collection to establish baseline wellbeing measurements. This was followed up with qualitative methods to explore the nuances and context behind the quantitative findings.

The survey was undertaken between 12 December 2023 and 29 February 2024. Multiple data collection channels were utilised to ensure representation, including: postal surveys (a total of 6,000 copies), computer-assisted telephone interviews, social media advertising, online panel and other online/web-based (available via Mental Health Foundation and Auckland Council channels). A total of n=1,524 surveys were used in the final analysis. Weighting (post-stratification) was applied to the collected survey data to reflect the actual proportions of sub-group populations (e.g. by age, gender and ethnicity) in the targeted regions (Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Auckland), as determined by Statistics New Zealand's 2018 Census data.

This report presents survey results from an Auckland perspective, with n=644 Auckland-based respondents used in the analysis.

The main findings related to specific objectives of the research included the following: [Extracts]

Impacts of 2023 weather events

• The 2023 extreme weather events had a strong, diverse and widespread impact on local communities across multiple regions: half of Auckland respondents (51%) reported experiencing a direct negative impact on themselves or their families. In contrast, 21% of respondents in Auckland did not recall any impacts from the extreme weather events in 2023.
• Across the region, the most substantial impact was the physical damage to, or loss of, property and homes as a direct result of flooding.
• A large proportion of respondents experienced effects to themselves personally, particularly stress, mental health and emotional responses (30%); with some continuing to feel anxiety about subsequent weather and rain long after the extreme events (20%).
• 56% of respondents not reporting any negative impacts as a result of extreme weather events in 2023 were still subject to secondary stressors (representing 27% of the total Auckland sample).

Psychosocial supports and resilience factors

• In the face of disruption and loss presented by Cyclone Gabrielle and other weather events, many positive factors came into effect to unite people, focus relief efforts, and provide a sense of resilience through difficult times – despite significant challenges posed by flooding, communication issues, and perceived slow responses from authorities. ...

SIL Research, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office, Auckland Council 

April 2024

See also

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand 2023-24 community wellbeing North Island weather events. Cyclone Gabrielle focus

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand 2023-24 community wellbeing North Island weather events. Cyclone Gabrielle focus. Māori respondents overview

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, All Sorts website

Wellbeing recovery plan for Tāmaki Makaurau. September 2024

Knowledge Auckland: Other storm recovery documents

Auckland Council website:

Recovery from extreme weather and natural disasters

Storm recovery documents

Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office