⚠️Trigger warning: May be emotionally distressing for some listeners.

This episode was recorded with Philip and Chris Barber.

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

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. Hailingfrom a family steeped in the traditions of winemaking and brewing, the 2brothers wanted to keep the family legacy alive. Petane Wines and ZeelandtBrewery in Esk Valley were where their aspirations turned into reality.However, flooding was a semi-regular and unwelcome feature of life beside theEsk River. Usually, an idyllic ribbon of water meandering along the northernedge of the Valley. But sometimes a raging monster. In 2018, a '1-in-100' yearevent wreaked havoc for them and other residents of Esk Valley, leading toevacuations and significant damage. They thought the worst-case scenario wasbehind them. But 5 years later, Cyclone Gabrielle unleashed its fury over theEsk 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 Valleywas transformed into a brown wasteland of sludge and debris. Amid theaftermath, the unwavering support of the community and their own determinationsaw them through the darkest hours. Both families eventually found solace inhigher ground. Join us as we recount their journey of survival and therebuilding that followed, a testament to the power of family, community, andundying hope. Their story reminds us that disasters can strike anywhere, butit's how we come together that defines our resilience.

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

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