My grandfather bought the Karekare house in 1963, then mum bought it in the '90s from her siblings.
It was rustic and cosy, really simple but beautiful, tucked up on the hill. When the storms came raging up the valley, I always felt safe.
Once an enormous storm took out power for 10 days, so we always knew to have enough food and water.
We were well prepared for Cyclone Gabrielle too, but no one expected it to hit like it did.
It had been raining all day and by the evening, I was restlessly pacing around when I heard a thud and about a foot of mud had slid down and hit the back of the house.
I tried to shut the window but it was warped from the impact.
That was the first sign.
A few minutes later, there was another thud. Pauly checked outside and a metre of mud had come down. I knew we had to get out. My daughter was in front of me and I was pushing her, propelling her forward.
The ground was coming apart beneath our feet and I heard this cracking sound, which was everything shattering.
My husband turned around to look and saw our house go. Our daughter's bedroom was upside down on the road about 20 metres below, and our bedroom broke away and ended up wedged in a põhutukawa tree.
It was unbelievable. I just bent over and put my head between my knees like, 'What just happened?'
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.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
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.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK