Research summary: Impacts and needs of Aucklanders following the 2023 severe weather events

Author:

Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office

Source:

Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office, Auckland Council

Publication date:

2024

Topics:

Environment ,People

Extract

Purpose

This paper pulls together three pieces of research looking at the impacts, needs and wellbeing of individuals impacted by the 2023 extreme weather events. This includes findings from:

The Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office (TMRO) Community and Social Recovery Needs Assessments which were undertaken in three geographic areas - West Auckland, Mt Roskill/Wesley, and Māngere/Favona - over October and November 2023, and in May 2024.
The Mental Health Foundation’s 2023-24 Community Wellbeing survey, which conducted surveys with 644 people in Auckland over December 2023 to February 2024.
The University of Auckland’s Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) Extreme Weather Survey, which surveyed 817 mothers/caregivers and 680 young people (667 family units) in August 2023.

Impacts

The 2023 extreme weather events had a strong, diverse and widespread impacts on local communities across Tāmaki Makaurau. Half of Auckland respondents (51%) reported experiencing a direct negative impact on themselves or their families. Most substantial was the physical damage to, or loss of, property and homes as a direct result of flooding (41%); this reported damage was higher compared to other areas in New Zealand (MHF Research).

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%) (MHF Research).

Those engaged in the TMRO Community Needs Assessment reinforced the trauma of the event itself, including grief and loss, and the way in which this has impacted on whānau and communities. Importantly, they also articulated secondary impacts relating to recovery related issues such as the categorisation process, settling insurance claims, arranging for repairs to properties, as well as ongoing financial and psychosocial effects from the weather events.

Health and Wellbeing

All three research pieces identified significant impacts of the weather events on individuals and whānau physically, spiritually and emotionally. Identified needs were linked to a range of issues including ongoing trauma from the events, anxiety about future adverse weather events, stress in addressing the impacts of the events, isolation and loneliness, grief, unsuitable accommodation options and family and relationship stressors. ...

Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office, September 2024