Photo: Supplied

Sjaak van Unnik believes he's gained a lot of aunties and uncles on the East Coast.

The Dutchman and his wife, Hessel Mulder, are among about a dozen people who've taken refuge at Hinerupe Marae, after last week's destructive storm ripped through Te Araroa.

Follow updates on the weather aftermath with RNZ's blog

The pair had been in their cabin at Te Araroa Holiday Park on 21 January when the campground was transformed into a raging torrent overnight.

Photo: Supplied

Van Unnik said it was the sound that woke him.

"Enormous noise, at first you think it's just

πŸ“°

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