Coasties will find crucial insights in the newly published research on the health and wellbeing impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.

This rapid study, commissioned by the Ministry of Health in 2023, aims to shed light on the effects of extreme weather conditions on community health.

Dr Ian Town, Chief Science Advisor at Manatū Hauora, emphasised that the results will enhance our understanding of the cyclone’s impact.

The research, conducted by the University of Auckland and Te Weu Charitable Trust, is now available online and has been shared with staff across the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and other government agencies.

The study offers several key recommendations:

• Strengthening local community capacity and connections to better manage emergency responses and improve health outcomes.
• Enhancing the presence and integration of health services within communities to support wellbeing during and after extreme weather events.
• Revising government disaster procurement policies to incorporate health and wellbeing outcomes, considering the damage to essential infrastructure such as telecommunications, power, and transport.

Dr Town noted, “The Ministry will use these findings, along with other evidence, to inform our work programmes in emergency management, the National Health Adaptation Plan for climate change, and all-of-Government science advice. We are committed to ensuring that the insights from this research continue to influence decision-making and that the expertise gained from local experiences remains central.”

This research will play a vital role in shaping future responses to weather-related emergencies, ensuring communities are better prepared and supported.