Continue the tour of duty with Davey and Storm in flood-ravaged Esk Valley and beyond.

⚠️ This episode contains reflections on Cyclone Gabrielle which may be distressing to some listeners. Discretion is advised.

Storm has learned that the trail of destruction extends far beyond Esk Valley. Davey has heard terrible news in the control room as distress calls pour in from around the region. The situation is grim. Join them and their 5/7 Battalion whanau as they forge onward through the crisis. They also share deeply personal reflections on the emotional toll of a deployment on home turf.

This episode continues the journey of Sergeant Storm Harrison and Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes as they share their reflections on this very personal mission. They discuss the challenges faced by them, their families and their community, and the resilience and courage required to recover. This episode delves into their roles within the Army Reserves, highlighting the vital contributions made by their unit and the importance of strength in diversity. The discussion also covers the recognition they received, including the Chief of Defence Force commendation. They talk about what can be done differently in the future - when the next disaster strikes. They also touch on some of the consequences of living in Category 3 in the 'Managed Retreat' that followed on the heels of Cyclone Gabrielle. The episode concludes with a tribute to their families and community, showcasing the strength and unity that helped them through a time of crisis.

If you enjoyed listening to NZDF: ONWARD, please take a moment to rate and review the episode. This ensures more people will discover these stories from Cyclone Gabrielle.

UNDER THE WEATHER has been featured on RNZ and Stuff. Links below to find out more.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360795376/devastation-healing-cyclone-gabrielles-untold-stories

https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019002009/tales-of-horror-and-heroism-in-cyclone-gabrielle-podcast

Te Reo Translations

Aroha love

Hinengaro the mind.

Kai food

Kapai good

Korero to talk,

Mahi work

Tautoko acknowledge or pay respects to

Whaikorero formal speech or address

Whakapapa roots, as in lineage or descent

Whanau family

Whare house or dwelling

Chapters

00:00 Recap and introduction

00:35 Briefly in Bay View

01:00 Family impacts

02:45 2 different worlds

03:08 A community living in fear

05:30 The distribution hub

07:30 Billy (and some more about him later….)

08:40 A lot of love for the Reserves

10:20 Accolades

14:35 A trip to Wellington

17:10 The emotional toll

(19:45-52 ⚠️)

23:35 What about next time?

26:30 Onward

29:30 Recruitment

30:45 The curse of Category 3

31:15 Living the Dream

32:15 Further acknowledgement

33:20 Aroha

33:40 Conclusion to the NZDF story

34:45 A dedication ⚠️

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All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.