It hasn't been the happiest of homecomings for Gisborne mayor Rehette Stoltz who has just landed back in New Zealand after a holiday away. Once again the region has been pounded by severe weather - with Cyclone Hale wreaking havoc and a state of emergency still in place. There's a big clean up job ahead - and a call for a formal inquiry into forestry plantation practices with mountains of debris choking rivers and streams.
Cyclone Hate has caused severe damage to the Cyclone Hate has caused severe damage to the Tairāwhiti region. Images show damage and a dropout on Arakihi Road in Tolaga Bay. Photo: Supplied/Uawa Civil Defence
