After Monday's earthquake, life is starting to get back to an almost normal routine for residents in Waiau.
While many homes are still off limits, with roadblocks in place north of the town, the return of power and running water has brought some relief.
Waiau's Motor Camp opened its doors this week to residents forced out of their homes. The business itself came through the quakes largely unscathed, and hopes to retain most of the summer bookings.
"Couples who had booked have actually rung up and said they're still coming," says Waiau Motor Camp's Geoff Proffitt. "They're loyal supporters, and there's absolutely no reason why any of them that have loved coming up here over the years shouldn't do so."
Out-of-towners are also helping boost spirits. A group of Young Farmers arrived with a BBQ and supplies to put on lunch.
"It's a social event for the Waiau area," says Brad Turner of the Dunsandel Young Farmers Club. "Bring them out of their house and let them forget about things for an hour or two."
Crusaders lock Luke Romano was among those helping put a smile on faces.
The lunchtime break was a chance for locals to relax and catch up with each other after a hectic week.
"Just faces - just to see the faces that I haven't had time to go catch up with," says Waiau resident Mary MacKinnon.
While the town's slowly getting back on its feet, there's still plenty to do. Courtney McSkimming has been forced to rethink plans to move into a new home this weekend.
"That house has now been condemned, so there are eight adults in one house, so it's a bit of a tight squeeze," she says.
There's plenty of food and water supplies at the Waiau Hall, with the council now recommending donations to the Hurunui Mayoral Fund as the best way to help out.
Newshub.
