An Upokongaro woman, who lost everything in the weekend's floods, has been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.
Kylie Bishop is taking life "one day at a time" as she struggles to cope with losing her home and her job in the aftermath of the floods.
Kylie works at Silver Fern Farms Waitotara meatworks, which has had to delay opening for the season because its plant has been cut off by a bridge wash-out. The delay means Kylie will not be able to return to work for at least a month.
The Chronicle visited Kylie and her 10-year-old daughter Jessica Rodgers at what remains of their home on State Highway 4, just south of Upokongaro.
The high-water mark can be seen on the outside of the house, about two metres above the ground, and just walking through the front gate requires a sturdy pair of gumboots.