Psychologists Nigel Latta, Natalie Flynn respond to Nūhaka School's call for help

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

by Jack Ward

Be kind to others, show people closest to you that you care and seek help if needed.

That was the message from clinical psychologists Nigel Latta and Natalie Flynn when they visited Wairoa, after a request from Nūhaka School principal Raelene McFarlane.

Staff and students are now based at Tāne-nui-a-rangi Marae, the fourth move in just a year after the school complex at Nūhaka was flooded in Cyclone Gabrielle. They spent two terms at St Joseph’s School in Wairoa, then moved into a chapel at the church of the Latter Day Saints in Nūhaka, only to be flooded out last month.

A familiar sight on our television screens, Mr Latta received an email while waiting to board a flight.

“I was checking my emails and there was Raelene saying they had a rough time, could I come and help out?

“I jumped at the chance and got in touch with the Red Cross to see if we could make this happen and by the time I had got off my flight, it was all confirmed.

The pair began their trip by visiting Nūhaka School at Tāne-nui-a-rangi Marae, and saw and heard first-hand the impact of the cyclone and subsequent weather events.

“You get a sense of what they have been through, the way a couple of the older students spoke about constantly moving around.”

For Dr Flynn, the normative manner in which the students spoke about recent events was telling.

“The way the younger kids were talking about the weather like it is just life, the nonchalant way they spoke.

“The feeling of shock you would associate after what has happened has become more of a grind.

“One girl asked how we knew about them, so also that feeling of isolation.”

Richard Lambert, lead education adviser from the Ministry of Education said Covid’s impact was still being felt.

“Some of the kids have missed a year from learning in years 2-4.”

The kōrero touched on the key signs of mental health difficulties, what to do in a mental health emergency and techniques to improve wellbeing.

Dr Flynn said spotting the signs and changes was the first step.

“People tend to notice when sleep is compromised — you wake up and cannot get back to sleep,  so think of something boring like curtains to focus your mind.

“A change in behaviours, social to social avoidance or easy-going to heightened irritability and becoming physically unsettled or general unease are other signs.

“If the difficulties persist for more than two weeks and it begins to affect your working life, your personal life and relationships, go and see your GP — there are more services than people think.

“I have worked with farmers, and in the rural community there is that worry about the stigma in all small communities.”

Mr Latta spoke about the Christchurch earthquakes — “it is this big event and the world moves on but you are still living it”.

“It is really good to come and help out with a couple of things to give people skills as this is ongoing; and provide factual information about mental health.

“No one’s life is perfect. Keep it simple and trust your gut.

“Brains are good at patterns and when something does not feel right, say something.”

Dr Flynn said, “Literature from the US shows that post-traumatic stress disorder skyrockets during flooding events.

“Rain anxiety is a real worry and it is a real threat.”

Taking a breath could help in arresting the slide, said Mr Latta.

“Most relaxation techniques have breathing associated with them, such as box breathing — four seconds breathing in, then holding it for four seconds and breathing out for four seconds.”

“Say to yourself, ‘What can I control?’ Our behaviour and where we put our attention because we have the choice to bring it back,” said Dr Flynn.

The pair had simple advice about checking on those closest to you.

“Letting people know you care goes a long way, be kind to everyone.”