KEY POINTS:
I've said before that every storm has a personality - and if this weekend's storm was to be given one I'd say it was a gentleman.
It was strong and fierce but almost polite as it swooped in over Auckland. Those who were hunkered down in fear of losing their roof realised the worst that was going to happen was losing the power for the All Blacks game. Who would've realised that that was to be a blessing in disguise?
In fact I almost envy those who didn't have to sit through it! But the storm, feared as the worst in a decade, decided to pick and choose which regions it would bring havoc to. And the largest centres were spared the worst damage. (Click here for readers' photos of the wild weather.)
My home town of Te Aroha, in the eastern Waikato, was not so lucky. I spoke on Saturday night to Matamata Piako Mayor Hugh Vercoe, who had rolled up his sleeves and helped out with the local volunteer fire brigade.
For those of you who haven't been to Te Aroha I highly recommend it. It is a beautiful little town of about 4000 people right against the Kaimai Ranges under the magnificent kilometre high Mt Te Aroha. It's famous for having hot pools and is home to the world's only hot soda water geyser - although I can't imagine anywhere in the world has a cold soda water geyser.
The town is famous for it's north east gales. It's not a windy place like Wellington, but when there's a low pressure system running north of Waikato you can bet your bottom dollar Mother Nature is trying her best to blast Te Aroha off the map. In fact, one might think Mother Nature is trying to remove Te Aroha from it's location.
It's also famous for a devastating flood back in the 80's which took lives and destroyed the town's centre. But amidst this weather woe it is a truly beautiful place that is more often than not tranquil and stunning. My parents still live there and I have to say it's a satisfying feeling to drive there from Auckland. After a long drive across the boring Hauraki flood plains the majestic Mt Te Aroha stands firm and proud and almost makes you feel protected from the vulnerability of the open plains that sprawl beneath it.
But the mountain did anything but protect the town over the weekend - in fact Mt Te Aroha (which translated means the "Mountain of Love") helped created hurricane force winds not felt in the town for 30 years, since the great storm of 1978.
From my call to the Mayor and speaking to locals I estimate over 1000 substantial trees were blown down. Te Aroha local Don Farquhar said the golf course lost about 70 trees some of which were over a hundred years old. Mayor Vercoe said the fire service had 70 callouts, two thirds of which were to lifted roofs and blown down chimneys. The Council and Hospital both lost big windows and fire fighters battled to stand up in the strong winds.
If the storm had been further south and west Auckland would've had major damage. So I guess Te Aroha took the bullet for the rest of us. I'll be down on Wednesday to speak to the local Lions Club, but I'll also be helping my parents clear some fallen trees on their property - a chance for me to experience the strength of nature and not just report it.
If you think the storm didn't live up to the hype I suggest you pay a visit to Te Aroha this weekend. A better idea would be to give it a few weeks - let the town clean up - and enjoy a weekend away under the mighty mountain, relaxing in the hot pools, enjoying the local cafes and shops, and the stunning bush walks. Like most beautiful places on earth, nature really does call the shots.
Philip Duncan
For the latest weather news keep up to date with The Radio Network's new Weather Watch Centre or the NZ Herald weather section.
Pictured above: A boat crashes into rocks after breaking free from its mooring in Hurricane Force weather which hit Auckland. Photo / Tim Hales
