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

Extract

Executive summary

The main aim of this research was to gain insight into the wellbeing of communities affected by the North Island Weather Events/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 regions (Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Auckland), as determined by Statistics New Zealand's 2018 Census data.

This report presents survey results from Māori respondents’ perspective, with n=275 respondents used in the analysis (18% of the total sample vs. 17% estimated Māori ethnic population in New Zealand in 2023).

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. 64% of Māori respondents indicated a primary negative impact from the extreme weather events in 2023, which was slightly higher compared to overall findings.
• Primary negative impacts were most reported by respondents aged under 65. The youngest Māori respondents were slightly more likely to report a negative impact compared to the same age group overall. Respondents from rural locations were more likely to report primary negative impacts. These impacts were also higher among parents
• Of Māori to report impacts, 3-in-5 (60%) noted physical / community impacts, 44% mental / emotional impacts, and 42% personal / health impacts.
• 76% of Māori respondents not reporting any negative impacts as a result of extreme weather events in 2023 were still subject to secondary stressors (27% of the total sample). More Māori respondents cited additional financial burden (30%), additional work pressure (28%), and concerns about health (24%) compared to overall results.

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. Auckland overview

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, All Sorts website 

Knowledge Auckland: Other storm recovery documents

Auckland Council website:

Recovery from extreme weather and natural disasters

Storm recovery documents

Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office