Oli's Story - Karekare

Like many Kiwis affected by summer’s atrocious weather, Karekare was hit hard and completely cut off by road from the rest of the world. Six-year-old

Oliver’s (Oli’s) parents Estelle and Sam have lived in the remote community for15 years. In fact Sam, a local fireman, has lived there his whole life.

While Estelle says residents are resilient and tight-knit, it has been wonderful seeing everyone go the extra mile for each other with homes completely lost. “We are so grateful everyone is alive!” she adds.

Closer to home however, the family were coping as best they could with son Oli, who ended up needing urgent medical attention. Like the weather, what started as an upset tummy quickly turned  to custard. Developing a hive-like rash, Oli’s legs were so sore he wouldn’t walk and he wasn’t eating at all. Following a teleconference under limited power, paediatricians couldn’t rule out the risk of rheumatic fever. Oli needed to be seen fast and the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter was the only way of getting him out. A Critical Care Paramedic was winched down to save time while Sam and his mates cleared a landing zone at a paddock beside the local school. Oli has bad memories of being sick, but recalls his ride to Starship Hospital as being “fun”.

He had suffered a rare anaphylactic reaction to a virus and, fortunately, would make a full recovery. The family are grateful for the choppers help that day when it was needed the most.

‍