Wild winds reaching 150 kph have caused widespread damage across the Wellington region and Wairarapa, leaving historic grave sites at Karori Cemetery crushed and thousands of residents without power. While Wellington Electricity works to restore remaining outages, property owners like Tawa resident Karen Tui Boyes face significant financial uncertainty following land slips caused by the extreme weather.
Damage to historic sites
Strong winds have downed pine and gum trees at Karori Cemetery, resulting in damage to several historic graves. According to Kieran William, chairperson of the volunteer group Friends of Karori Cemetery, the fallen trees crushed a marble cross located on one of the site’s earliest graves. The group has called for the council to implement more proactive tree management, citing the historical significance of the individuals buried there. A Wellington City Council spokesperson stated that crews are currently prioritizing the removal of fallen trees and site cleanup before determining if further tree removals are necessary.
Power restoration efforts
The storm left thousands of properties across the region without power. Wellington Electricity reported that it remains on track to restore service to all affected customers by the end of Monday. As of the latest update, crews were focused on restoring power to approximately 59 properties located in Porirua and Wellington’s northern suburbs.
Financial impact on homeowners
In Tawa, a severe slip has left homeowner Karen Tui Boyes facing potential repair costs for a retaining wall she believes is owned by the council. The slip occurred in her backyard, leaving a deep gap just six metres from her house. Boyes described the event as “pretty horrific,” noting that she heard the earth cracking during the storm. She has since lodged claims with the Natural Hazards Commission and her insurance provider. While the slip occurred on her property, she expressed relief that it did not impact neighboring land, as the area beyond her fence is a council reserve.
What happens next
The path to recovery for both the cemetery and private properties remains in the early stages. For Karori Cemetery, the council’s assessment of surrounding trees could lead to further removals to prevent future damage to historic monuments. For homeowners like Boyes, the process is likely to be a prolonged “waiting game” while insurance and hazard claims are processed. If the retaining wall is confirmed as council-owned, the responsibility for its repair may shift, though the current focus remains on physical cleanup and the restoration of essential services.
Keep reading