School downed by Gabrielle

27 Feb, 2023

A small Maungaturoto school lost its roof and classrooms were left in total disrepair after Cyclone Gabrielle swept through on February 13. Otamatea Christian School’s 30 enrolled students from Year 1 to 13 are having to squash together into one classroom for their lessons after buildings and equipment were devastated by the storm, along with the playground.

While insurance will eventually cover the $50,000 cost reportedly required to fix the damage, which is estimated to take months, a school spokesperson says that as insurance companies are swamped after the storm, the school expects there will be a wait before repairs can proceed: “It’s going to take some time before things are back to normal for our lovely little school.”

A Givealittle page has been set up to help raise funds for other items such as furniture, school equipment and supplies. Visit givealittle.co.nz/cause/cyclone-gabrielle-destroys-our-amazing-little

- REPORTING/JULIA WADE, PHOTO/SUPPLIED