Last Drinks

Two brothers, two families, one night that changes everything.

⚠️ This story may be emotionally distressing for some listeners. Discretion is advised.

It’s near midnight on February 13th 2023, when Philip and Chris realise it’s too late to escape the rising threat in Esk Valley. As the river continues to rise, their options evaporate. Within hours, their homes and businesses are lost forever. In this opening episode of ‘Under the Weather’, they share their remarkable stories of survival, loss and recovery.

In this episode of 'Under The Weather', we hear from Philip and Chris Barber. Hailing from a family steeped in the traditions of winemaking and brewing, the two brothers wanted to keep the family legacy alive. Petane Wines and Zeelandt Brewery in Esk Valley were where their aspirations turned into reality. However, flooding was a semi-regular and unwelcome feature of life beside the Esk River. Usually, an idyllic ribbon of water meandering along the northern edge of the Valley. But sometimes a raging monster. In 2018, a '1-in-100' year event wreaked havoc for them and other residents of Esk Valley, leading to evacuations and significant damage. They thought the worst-case scenario was behind them. But 5 years later, Cyclone Gabrielle unleashed its fury over the Esk River catchment.

With water levels rising rapidly and evacuation warnings that came too late, both families were forced into a fight for their lives. The lush green paradise of Esk Valley was transformed into a brown wasteland of sludge and debris. Amid the aftermath, the unwavering support of the community and their own determination saw them through the darkest hours. Both families eventually found solace in higher ground. Join us as we recount their journey of survival and the rebuilding that followed, a testament to the power of family, community, and undying hope. Their story reminds us that disasters can strike anywhere, but it's how we come together that defines our resilience.

If you enjoyed listening to LAST DRINKS, 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

Chapters

 00:00 Introduction to Under The Weather

01:45 The 2018 flood

06:10 Cyclone Gabrielle is coming.

07:25 Preparations

08:40 Flooding begins

11:20 Too late to leave

15:10 The only way is up.

21:36 A beacon of hope for Philip and Sarah.

22:10 The ordeal continues for Chris and Luciana

26:40 The Navy SEALs

29:50 On dry land

31:50 Reflections on survival

33.45 A community rallies

35:25 Overwhelm

37.45 Philip's photo-shoot

39:30 New perspectives

40:50 Esk Valley

41:50 Recovery

43:40 Good advice

45:10 New horizons

47.15 Gratitude and conclusion

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Philip and Chris grew up in the Kumeu-Huapai area northwest of Auckland. This is also a flood-prone area. Listen here to the story of Kumeu and the uncertain future a whole town faces as a result of repeated flooding.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6xgUEMtPmhROgMM98JQvu1

All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.