Photo: Kristin Speers
A doctor who worked at a Bay View makeshift clinic following Cyclone Gabrielle has documented the stories of 14 people who lived through the disaster in February 2023.
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, Kristin Speers helped those dealing with physical trauma - skin and soft tissue injuries at risk of infection, gastroenteritis with the expose to contaminants in the floodwaters and silt, and of course, psychological trauma.
When the clinic closed down she delved in to helping people manage insurance and grants and funding applications - she helped unlock about 170-thousand dollars for people through the various funds that were made available. Then came the idea, along with a group of locals, to capture residents' stories in a book. Kristin was the "designated interviewer " and spent hundreds, if not thousands, of hours speaking to 150 people, often on more than one occasion, surveying their property, looking at photos, and being a gentle ear for many who had never spoken about what they went through.
A book, or other options for honouring the voices of those who’ve shared their stories for the Cyclone Gabrielle Project is still a work in progress.
In the meantime, Kristin, who felt a deep sense of duty to the people who had given her their time - set about making a podcast.
With no audio, media or journalistic help, she has created a 10-part series, telling the stories of 14 of those 150, called Under the Weather.
Philip Barber - who survived the Cyclone by climbing onto the roof of his house with his young family - is in episode one of the podcast. Kristin and Philip speak to Kathryn Ryan.
Philip Barber's livelihood in Esk Valley was destroyed by the cyclone. Photo: Tom Kitchin
