As a Cessna arrives at the aerodrome near Bridge Pa in Hastings, Bel Gunson is there to welcome the load of aid.
Gunson, of the Rural Support Trust, is in awe of the survival mode people are in.
Bel Gunson of the Rural Support Trust Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
She explains how those in the back country were ready with barbeques, gas bottles, and water.
But of course, now those water and gas supplies are low. And being virtually cut off by communications and by road, those farmers are relying on help from the skies.
"We've got amazing army support through the civil defence, but also donors who are just getting up in their planes and their helicopters, collecting things and flying them into these backcountry places.
"They're taking baking and they're taking Starlinks which gives them some comms."
Pallets of donated dog food arrive at Huha's headquarters in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle Photo: RNZ/Sally Round
While the pioneer spirit is alive, Gunson knows all is not well.
She fears what will surface in the weeks and months to come when the adrenaline runs off.
"At the moment everybody is on this high on survival adrenaline and most of them are managing. And we're getting some good information about where the missing pockets are, who needs help, and how to get to them.
"What we are worried about is what is going to happen when people just get overwhelmed. You talk about eating an elephant one bite at a time, it's just impossible to know where to start."
Destruction of homes and vehicles in the Esk Valley. Photo: Tom Kitchin
Gunson recalls the stories she's heard in the last 10 days - stock being washed out to sea or over cliffs, horses being washed away, and farmers struggling to have feed for their working dogs.
"These big strong stoic farmers are dealing with sadness and loss every day and there is going to come a time when that is just going to be impossible to manage."
Gunson said the Trust is establishing community hubs for a generic talk on how to cope and expects these will be up and running in the next week.
Counsellors were also enlisted to help. A discreet system will be enacted at those local meetings where people can lodge their own interests, or lodge a concern on behalf of others.
She said the talks will highlight the importance of looking after yourself.
"Starting by putting your own oxygen mask on first, look after yourself, have your circle of influence. The next thing is your immediate family, your immediate friends, your community."
Flood damage in the Esk Valley in Hawke’s Bay. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
Gunson said it is okay to reach out wider, once you know you have your own needs met.
"Taking time out, not being superhuman. Make sure you can have some time to rest and some time to just hug your family and be thankful you are alive. You will get through this."
She said there may be some serious decisions around whether some farmers carry on.
"We don't want to impose on people right now when they are literally covered in mud, in tears. They don't really want to see anyone at their door unless they have got something really practical.
"But we will be there, we are going to be there for them."
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254
