Good grief! I just spoke with my cousin in Cundletown, NSW, AU. I sincerely thank you @Helen427 for sharing the dire situation that occured in Kumeū, West Auckland, NZ. These type of natural catastrophic occurrences are why I signed up to help people thru AirBnb.org in partnership with many non-profit agencies and organizations.
I hope you, your family, relatives, friends and neighbors in the region were not adversely affected by the tremendous tornadoes + flooding, and able to return to your home safely without lengthy delay. I was VERY relieved to read that help was close by to give you assistance! What took place in West Auckland, NZ - WAS much WORSE than damage from Ida in NOLA, LA.
So sad that more than many were displaced and lives were lost. I worked to assist with rescue of domestic pets. I hope that the situation is improved for you & other Aucklanders. Many species of wildlife in the region were severely affected, as well.
She said the flooding there in West Auckland was VERY intense and exceeded the damage Ida wreaked in NOLA, LA.
I wondered how she knew about it. According to her, my uncle worked in parts of NZ with regard to agriculture and beekeeping/apiaries for the purpose of pollenization.
He had many Kiwi friends that came to visit in NSW during the winters. She added how my uncle loved NZ. Many times, they entertained "Kiwis" friends while in NZ. Her exact words were "Kiwi communities are very supportive. They're swift to gather and tend to their neighbors when conditions are unseemly."
Thanks again, for enlightening this ABB host! Best personal regards.