When Cyclone Gabrielle wreaked havoc in Hawke’s Bay last month, the Napier-Hastings Tongan Methodist congregation swiftly undertook the task of feeding and supporting dozens of horticultural seasonal workers adversely affected by the ensuing deluge. The tale of a life-saving hero has emerged from the debris of the killer flood.

‘Ilālio Fe’ao’s courageous and selfless exploit is worthy of a Hollywood movie script. With rising water levels engulfing their homes near Hastings, 52 trapped workers climbed to the safety of their rooftops hoping for rescuers to get them out.

Instead of joining his co-workers, 21-year-old Fe’ao made the heroic decision to stay behind to help a colleague who was too weak to climb to safety. The water was already up to the man’s waist and it was likely he could be underwater in minutes.

Without hesitation Fe’ao jumped into the water, ignoring the massively strong current, to swim almost 50 metres to their workstation to bring a ladder for his trapped workmate. On reaching the workstation, Fe’ao secured the ladder on his back and swam back upstream against the tide.

After having dived into the water some 25 minutes earlier, Fe‘ao reached the spot where 43-year-old Sifa ‘Ākolo was clinging for his life.

“The water was already up to his chest,” Fe‘ao says.

Using the ladder, the pair climbed to the rooftop to join the others. They then had to wait about 10 hours for rescuers to airlift them out of the water.

‘Ākolo said he feared for his life. While waiting for Fe‘ao, the devout Methodist prayed for his rescue. “I feared I would not survive. If it had not been for Lio (‘Ilālio Fe‘ao) I would not have made it,” he said. “I give thanks and praise to the Lord.”

Tongan liaison Tevita Lata, who looks after Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers from Tonga in Hawke’s Bay, said he got the first call from one of the team leaders, Langi Fatanitavake, shortly before 6 am.

“That’s when it all started. Langi told me ‘the water was coming up fast’. He thought the river bank must be flooding.”

The orchard where the workers were based is near the Tūtaekurī River. Lata said at the time, the workers described the flooding as “still low to the ground.” The next time he spoke to them on the phone, the water had risen to about two metres.

Methodist Church Community Rally

The two stewards of the Napier-Hastings Tongan Methodist congregation rounded up support among the church members to help the displaced workers.

“We offered beds in our garage at the back. The boys would come and eat and then enjoy each other’s company around a kava bowl,” head steward Fatongia ‘Ofa said.

The home of assistant steward Tomasi Tupou was also used as an emergency shelter. Vahefonua Tonga ‘o Aotearoa and Siaola identified the need to assist the Napier-Hastings congregation in its plight to look after the workers.

Synod Superintendent, Rev Kalolo Fihaki, ex-Superintendent Rev Tevita Finau and a team from Siaola travelled from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay with relief supplies. Siaola is the Vahefonua Tonga Methodist Mission’s arm.

Mammoth Trip

The truckload of supplies included meat, water, vegetables, flour, rice, sugar, toiletries and other items. Travelling to Hawke’s Bay was not easy as many roads were compromised or closed. Some flew and the rest travelled in a truck and minibus on a mammoth trip that took 12 hours, due to diversions.

State Highway 5, the shortest route to Hastings from Taupo, was closed due to storm damage to bridges providing access into the stricken city.

In a presentation at the Mr Apple base in Hastings, Rev Fihaki began with a hymn, a word from the scriptures and a brief message of hope and guidance from the Bible. He then said a prayer.

Rev Finau presented the relief supplies, saying there was a need for Vahefonua and Siaola to help the RSE workers.

“It is our pastoral duty to carry out this relief work because these men have families back in Tonga that are anxious to hear their loved ones are safe and healthy. We are just doing our part in that process.”

Siaola CEO, Kathleen Tuai-Taufoou, said her dedicated team worked long hours to make sure the relief supplies got to Hastings and reach the men in need.

The RSE workers will be in New Zealand until May before their work tenure ends. Most, if not all, will return to New Zealand for work next year.

“There was a team due to arrive next week from Tonga but we have had to delay their arrival until the cyclone damage is under control.

“Many eager workers are wanting the chance to come and work hard for their families.”

The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme was introduced in April 2007 and allows the horticulture and viticulture industries to recruit workers from overseas for seasonal work when there are not enough New Zealand workers. Workers come from Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands and other Pacific island nations. For many families, RSE work is their only form of income.

At the time of publication, the death toll from Cyclone Gabrielle stood at 11 with most of the deaths reported from Hawke’s Bay.

But with thousands still without power and more than 1700 not accounted for or unable to be contacted, the toll was expected to rise. The worst hit areas were Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.

Vahefonua and Siaola’s next mission was to travel to Gisborne. The initial team flew from Auckland on 21 February and the second contingent, including a truckload of relief supplies, arrived in Poverty Bay the following day.