Today, February 14 marks a year since the full force of Cyclone Gabrielle hit much of the North Island, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Some regions were hit much harder than expected -11 people were killed... turning hillsides into slips; flooding rivers and land; damaging infrastructure, homes, businesses, and cutting power and communications networks.
Large areas have since been deemed too dangerous to live in, and many people are still living in temporary accommodation while they figure out their future.
A memorial hīkoi was held this morning in Wairoa to mark the cyclone's anniversary.
It's part of commemoration services being held around Hawke's Bay.
There were also civic events in Waipawa, Pörangahau, Hastings, and Napier.
Reporter Lauren Crimp joined the Wairoa hīkoi, starting at the showgrounds that were flooded when the Wairoa River broke its banks.
