Finding strength together in storm-hit Otago
31 October 2025
When Dudley and Lee-Ann Morgan moved to the Otago township of Lawrence in July, they thought they’d left the worst of life’s storms behind. But just a few months later, their new town was struck by a violent weather event that tore through the region leaving them clinging, quite literally, to their greenhouse.
“It was like someone flipped a switch,” Lee-Ann said. “The sky went dark, the wind hit, and everything just started breaking off. Dudley was trying to hold the greenhouse down while I was getting drenched in the rain and we had to cut it loose with a knife. It was scary, I’d never experienced anything like it.”
Communities helping one another
The storm passed as quickly as it arrived, leaving widespread damage and cutting power, water and phone service across Lawrence. With roads blocked and shops shut, residents were forced to rely on one another, and on the support that arrived soon after.
That support included New Zealand Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Teams (DWSTs), who were on the ground across the lower South Island, helping affected communities in Otago. Over the long weekend, DWST volunteers had more than 300 interactions with people impacted by the storm, offering everything from welfare checks and essential supplies to connectivity and reassurance.
Connection when it was needed most
In Lawrence, our team set-up and managed the local drop-in centre, offering hot drinks, charging stations, internet connectivity and wellbeing checks. The Morgans said this made a huge difference.
“It was just awesome to see them here. We thought – amazing, we can finally charge our phones, catch up with everyone, have a coffee, and just see how people are doing. It became a real connection point for the town.”
Lee-Ann Morgan
Partners in response
That sense of connection is something the wider community is holding onto. Clutha District Council’s Simone Budge said the weekend showed what it truly means to have Red Cross support in Lawrence.
Civil Defence Emergency Management groups and local authorities like Clutha District Council can call upon Red Cross for welfare support when it is required. “Having Red Cross supporting us, means very helpful, very calm and collected, very approachable people coming together,” she said. “Their approach is essential in times like this, and you can see the team doing exactly what’s needed.”
Rob Hart from our Disaster Welfare and Support Team shares a coffee and a chat with Lawrence residents Lee-Ann and Dudley Morgan at the emergency drop-in centre
Responding to an emergency is always a team effort. We’re proud to work alongside our partners, including Clutha District Council and Otago Emergency Management, who continue to support their communities with dedication and care.
“Lawrence is a cohesive, connected community,” Simone said. “This experience has really shown that.”
The Morgans agree. “People have been amazing,” said Dudley. “Neighbours checked on us, shared petrol and bread, and we swapped veggies and eggs. It just makes you realise how good people can be.”
Ways you can help
Make a donation
Climate change is causing more frequent and more intense weather events. We need to be ready to deploy our people, specialist disaster response equipment, supplies, and technical expertise at a moment’s notice, anywhere across the motu.
By making a donation, you’ll help us continue to give life-changing assistance to those impacted by the next emergency we face.
Donate to where the need is greatest
Become a Disaster Response Alliance partner
Our Disaster Response Alliance partners ASB Bank and Woolworths New Zealand provide critical support for our response and relief efforts.
Learn more about the Disaster Response Alliance, how it helps communities in an emergency and how you can become a partner.
Become a future volunteer
We follow the direction of lead agencies when responding to an emergency. We only deploy appropriately trained Red Cross people as disaster welfare support volunteers.
Many of our Disaster Welfare and Support Teams are on the lookout for new members.
This involves applying and training for the role, which means that you can help us get ready for the next emergency.
More information
Prepare for a disaster — Get Good and Ready
See our step-by-step guide to help you be better prepared for an emergency or disaster.
Staying safe and connected in an emergency
We hope you and your whānau are okay and staying safe.
In an emergency, if your life is in immediate danger call 111.
Follow the National Emergency Management (NEMA), and regional Civil Defence Emergency websites and social media channels. They have up-to-date information including the location of Civil Defence Centres. The NEMA website has a handy list of all the regional website and social media pages.
Caring for yourself and others
We also have practical support and information to help you care for yourself and others after disasters and emergencies. Make sure you get Good and Ready before the next emergency.
See our guidance on caring for yourself and others
Our role in disaster response
Find out more about our role in preparing for and responding to disasters in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our disaster and emergency support
Header image caption: Taking a moment to connect, Disaster Welfare and Support Team volunteer Rob Hart talks with Lawrence residents Lee-Ann and Dudley Morgan.