Edgecumbe four months on: A caravan on the back lawn

Martin and Barbara Finucane are happy to be back on their own turf. Photo/Katee Shanks

Martin and Barbara Finucane have set up camp in their back lawn - and they couldn't be more pleased.

The couple's pre-flood caravan has been replaced through insurance and, late last week, the new home-away-from-home was towed to the Finucane's Edgecumbe section.

The couple are absolutely rapt and relieved to be back.

"We were renting a place in Ohope overlooking the harbour but we'd much, much prefer being back home. The next thing will be getting all of our animals back with us."

Prior to the flood the Finucane family included seven cats and three dogs.

"We weren't able to catch one of the cats so were travelling from Ohope to Edgecumbe every second day to leave food and fresh water."

Expected to be out of their home until Christmas, the Finucanes remain upbeat and positive.

"We're home where we can keep an eye on things and also help where we can with the rebuild."