There's still mud caked into the floor of Takitimu Marae, but plans for repairs are underway.
Cyclone Gabrielle devastated homes, businesses and community spaces throughout the East Coast.
In Wairoa, where most of the residents north of the river are Māori, they've been badly hit, but at the marae they're taking the opportunity to build back stronger.
Our reporter Kate Green paid them a visit.
