Karakia and waiata rang out, bells tolled, and silence was kept on Wednesday as thousands donned the Hawke’s Bay colours of black and white to commemorate.
More than 500 people, including families of those who died, some still displaced, gathered at the Civic Square in Hastings to commemorate the anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle.
The work young farmers on the East Coast have been doing to support their cyclone-stricken communities has received recognition allowing them to help even.
Rural communities in Hawke's Bay will soon be better prepared for disasters thanks to new facilities designed to help them cope when they become isolated.