In December 2023, we have commissioned a study to get a snapshot of wellbeing and impact on communities following Cyclone Gabrielle and other extreme weather events of 2023. We wanted to know how people were doing on their road to recovery after a natural disaster, what they need to support their wellbeing, as well as what’s been helping them cope with difficult times.
The research, conducted by Napier-based SIL Research, focused on Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Te Tai Tokerau Northland, Thames-Coromandel, Wairarapa and Tararua. 1,524 people filled out the survey, and another 54 later took part in qualitative research (such as focus groups and individual interviews), yielding rich data and insights. The full reports are now available on the links below.
Some key findings from the research include:
The research, conducted by Napier-based SIL Research, focused on Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Te Tai Tokerau Northland, Thames-Coromandel, Wairarapa and Tararua. 1,524 people filled out the survey, and another 54 later took part in qualitative research (such as focus groups and individual interviews), yielding rich data and insights. The full reports are now available on the links below.
Some key findings from the research include:
- The average wellbeing index score was 52.5 out of 100, with 46% of respondents defined as low (0-50), including 22% very low (below 29). Meanwhile, 31% scored as moderate, and 24% as high (76-100).
- Wairoa, Northland, and younger adults (18-39) exhibited a lower wellbeing index on average.
- While nearly half of respondents (47%) showed no distress on the PHQ-4 scale, 29% had mild, 14% moderate, and 9% severe distress scores.
- The weather events profoundly impacted many aspects of respondents' lives. Those affected felt less safe (43% vs. 6% of those not impacted), experienced a decline in life quality (43% vs. 4%), mental health (4.0 vs. 2.3), and overall wellbeing (47.6 vs. 59.8).
- Four in ten respondents (40%) felt lonely at least some of the time over the past two weeks.
- Both Māori and Pacific Peoples respondents viewed wellbeing more holistically (e.g., Te Whare Tapa Whā), with social connection most highly valued by Māori.
- Overall, social connections were strong across all regions (77.7 out of 100). Psychosocial support networks and community were recognised as a crucial source of strength, practical assistance and coping.
- Respondents expressed a need for more community-based events or activities, better communication of wellbeing-related information, and improved access/reduced barriers to support and services.
These findings have inspired us to think deeply about the role of community in protecting our mental health, nourishing our wellbeing, and providing us with a sense of belonging, purpose and connectedness. It is for this reason we’ll be celebrating the power of community for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (23-29 September). Find out more on www.mhaw.nz.