EPISODE · Sep 3, 2025 · 35 MIN
NZDF: Onward.
from Under the Weather · host Cyclone Gabrielle Stories - hosted by Kristin Speers.
Continue the tour of duty with Davey and Storm in flood-ravaged Esk Valley and beyond. ⚠️ This episode contains reflections on Cyclone Gabrielle which may be distressing to some listeners. Discretion is advised. Storm has learned that the trail of destruction extends far beyond Esk Valley. Davey has heard terrible news in the control room as distress calls pour in from around the region. The situation is grim. Join them and their 5/7 Battalion whanau as they forge onward through the crisis. They also share deeply personal reflections on the emotional toll of a deployment on home turf. This episode continues the journey of Sergeant Storm Harrison and Staff Sergeant Davey Forbes as they share their reflections on this very personal mission. They discuss the challenges faced by them, their families and their community, and the resilience and courage required to recover. This episode delves into their roles within the Army Reserves, highlighting the vital contributions made by their unit and the importance of strength in diversity. The discussion also covers the recognition they received, including the Chief of Defence Force commendation. They talk about what can be done differently in the future - when the next disaster strikes. They also touch on some of the consequences of living in Category 3 in the 'Managed Retreat' that followed on the heels of Cyclone Gabrielle. The episode concludes with a tribute to their families and community, showcasing the strength and unity that helped them through a time of crisis. If you enjoyed listening to NZDF: ONWARD, 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 Te Reo Translations Aroha love Hinengaro the mind. Kai food Kapai good Korero to talk, Mahi work Tautoko acknowledge or pay respects to Whaikorero formal speech or address Whakapapa roots, as in lineage or descent Whanau family Whare house or dwelling Chapters 00:00 Recap and introduction 00:35 Briefly in Bay View 01:00 Family impacts 02:45 2 different worlds 03:08 A community living in fear 05:30 The distribution hub 07:30 Billy (and some more about him later….) 08:40 A lot of love for the Reserves 10:20 Accolades 14:35 A trip to Wellington 17:10 The emotional toll (19:45-52 ⚠️) 23:35 What about next time? 26:30 Onward 29:30 Recruitment 30:45 The curse of Category 3 31:15 Living the Dream 32:15 Further acknowledgement 33:20 Aroha 33:40 Conclusion to the NZDF story 34:45 A dedication ⚠️ Follow Cyclone Gabrielle Stories on Facebook Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cyclonegabriellestories.nz/ All transcripts for UNDER THE WEATHER are AI generated.
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NZDF: Onward.
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