New Zealland

After cyclone, songs of praise and gratitude ring out in church halls across Hawke's Bay

Pacific churches have been sanctuaries for Pacific RSE workers in the region, some of whom were clinging desperately to rooftops surrounded by raging waters during the height of the flooding.

RNZ reports Cyclone Gabrielle has robbed them of the few possessions they owned, but their faith remains.

Hastings Pasifika community leader Tofilau Talalelei Taufale said that RSE workers in the region are among those worst affected by the extreme weather events. He is currently on the ground, helping the workers who have been left homeless.