Dixie's unbroken spirit 'I WILL NEVER LEAVE MY HOME'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly|April 11, 2022
The stoic Northlander lives in fear that all she owns could go up in smoke, but she's staying to fulfil the sacred work she began in the area as a child
Aroha Awarau
Dixie's unbroken spirit 'I WILL NEVER LEAVE MY HOME'

When hundreds of tiny black specks flew into and around her home in the tiny Far North settlement of Kaimaumau, Dixie CookTamati initially thought she was being attacked by a swarm of sandflies.

But when those specks turned into tiny flames, the mother-of-three realised they weren't sandflies at all but hot ash, coming from a nearby scrub fire. The Northland inferno, which started on December 18, has been one of the largest scrub fires in recent New Zealand history, destroying 2800-hectares of mostly wetland scrub and rampaging in the Far North's Waiharara region for more than a month.

The 62-year-old's life and the lives of the 100 families living in the close-knit community were in danger, and they had to evacuate their homes immediately.

“There was thick black smoke on one side of the home, like it was midnight and the sky went all red," Dixie recalls. “On the other side of the home, it was as clear as day. We had to move quickly. Nothing like this has happened in our community before. It was a real shock."

The police were going door to door, ensuring people were evacuating. Dixie says they didn't have time to pack. Luckily, many families already had emergency supplies and clothes packed due to frequent tsunami warnings within the beachside settlement. Residents left their homes with uncertainty and took refuge with either family members outside of the area or at the local Waiharara school. Dixie opted to stay with her daughter.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW ZEALAND WOMAN'S WEEKLYView all
Sweet SUCCESS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Sweet SUCCESS

Delicious twists on traditional favourites

time-read
6 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Calzone CRAVING
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Calzone CRAVING

Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers

time-read
1 min  |
September 16, 2024
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'

The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'

It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'

Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE

The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE

The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT

Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS

The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME

Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK

time-read
3 mins  |
September 16, 2024