In February 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle vented its fury on parts of the North Island, many already reeling from recent weather events. This report is timely in that it reminds us that this was a major disaster - recovery will be a long, slow and arduous process. The people of the region deserve not to be forgotten.

This report is also important because it highlights a sector that is under-recognised and rarely acknowledged for the significant role it plays in community disaster response and recovery.