11 Nov The same – but different
The same – but different!
Two and a half years since Cyclone Gabrielle swept through in February 2023, I’ve found myself reflecting on the changes – both visible and subtle—that have shaped life out here in Kereru, rural Hawke’s Bay. One of the most significant impacts was the loss of our main road to town, which remained unusable for over two years. That single disruption rippled through every part of daily life: people became more isolated, house builds were delayed, freight costs soared, farming supplies and livestock transport were held up, and school days stretched longer for both students and teachers. The list goes on.
Now, with the road finally repaired – at a cost in the tens of millions—the difference is remarkable. Travel is easier, the area feels less remote, and friends and family are more inclined to visit. Even our favourite winery is once again within reach! Meanwhile, the landscape has evolved: trees have grown, new homes have emerged, and forestry harvests have reshaped the view. It’s the same place – but undeniably different.
This got me thinking about business. Just like a road closure, unexpected events – think Covid, economic shifts, or natural disasters -can derail what we consider ‘business as usual.’ We adapt by reviewing costs, adjusting prices, changing suppliers, and managing time more effectively. These are things we do periodically, but when upheaval strikes, we tend to examine them more closely. The key is to approach these moments with intentional focus. Re-evaluating strategies with a mindset of continual improvement helps us move forward—and often, new opportunities emerge from the chaos.
Lessons learnt for me over these past two years are having and showing appreciation, being more tolerant with hold-ups and delays, and arriving at a calmer more forward-thinking perspective. Certainly the ‘Stop-Go’ at Olrig on our way to Hastings is not nearly as annoying as it might have been three years ago – we still have a way through!
Change – especially the kind we don’t choose – can feel disruptive and exhausting. But with time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt, we often find ourselves in a better place. The road may be different, the landscape altered, but the journey continues. And sometimes, what feels like a setback is simply a new route to progress.
Leaving you with this thought:
Out here, change doesn’t come in headlines—it comes in harvests, rebuilt roads, and the quiet return of connection.