Third storm the worst

RESTORING ORDER: The Farmyard manager Caryn Preston has acknowledged the help and support the centre has received through what has been an “incredibly tough time”. Picture by Paul Rickard

The Farmyard for Early Learners in Valley Road took a direct hit from cyclones Hale and Gabrielle, leaving the rural discovery-based sustainable early learning environment with a massive clean-up. 
First came Cyclone Hale, then the notorious Gabrielle, which closed The Farmyard for just over a week with no power or water and leaving some minor damage to repair. 
The centre finally reopened its doors and welcomed the children back on February 22. 
However, that was a short-lived celebration, when the centre was hit with the phenomenal deluge of rain that fell over Mangapapa and the surrounding semi-rural areas during the early hours of Monday, February 27. The centre was directly in the path of the weather event. It was yellow- stickered and has remained closed for four weeks. 
During that time a major clean-up operation has been taking place so the Farmyard can “get back to normal as quickly and as safely as possible”, says one of the owners, Gavin Hazelden, who has become a frequent flyer to Gisborne during the past weeks to support manager Caryn Preston and her team of staff. 
Working closely with, and taking advice and recommendations from, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and the Gisborne District Council to ensure the centre is compliant on all levels has been a huge undertaking. 
Carpets needing to be replaced have been ripped up and skirting boards removed to dry out the lower walls. At one point 21 air blowers were positioned throughout the buildings to dry out the water-affected areas. Silt and mud have been removed from inside classrooms, shared indoor spaces and the extensive outside areas of the nature-based, Steiner-inspired centre. Grass areas have been sterilised with lime and, heartbreakingly, they have had to dispose of thousands of dollars worth of resources and furniture items. However, they are grateful that their beloved animals were all safe during this time.
“it has been an incredibly tough time with the extensive damage but we would really like to acknowledge the help and support we have received from our staff, our extended Farmyard whānau, the trades people who helped our community of early learners to get back up and running,” Caryn said.
“Off the back of one of our parents, Gisborne Boys’ High School sent a team to help shift a shed and Mike Gordon, whose grandchild attends The Farmyard, has turned his hands to shovelling mud and silt as well as replacing paving. 
“He has been absolute gold,” Caryn said.
The original owner/builder of The Farmyard, Peter Dawson and his son Chris, also stepped up and helped out with the clean-up operation. 
“Peter and his team from Dawson Building Co constructed the original buildings, so having his experience and knowledge about the layout of the buildings has been invaluable and we are grateful for the help and support they have given us.”
Replacing the resources has been carried out with their sustainable practice values. On the bright side, The Farmyard tamariki can look forward to discovering and exploring with the new resources available. 
 “This weather event has affected our early learners community a lot and we have done our best to communicate with them throughout the stages of the clean-up operation. 
“We have had several comments from families that some children have asked ‘who left the door open to let the rain in?’
“We are so looking forward to welcoming all our Farmyard whānau back when we reopen our doors on Monday, March 27.”