Tiny community recovering after Kaikōura quake

A tiny alpine village that bore the brunt of the Kaikōura earthquake is reaching the final stages of its recovery. Mt Lyford sits near the epicentre of the 2016 quake, halfway between Christchurch and Kaikōura.

For Mt Lyford pioneer Doug Simpson, life is finally getting back to normal after a year of earthquakes. He's back in his 30-year-old homestead, but there are a few changes. His ceiling, once held by giant wooden beams, is now reinforced with steel.

"We're pretty happy to be back in our home again. We were out of it for six-and-a-half months, and we don't intend to leave it any time soon."

The 7.8-magnitude quake severely damaged six of the village's 60 homes in November 2016. The shaking was intense, with the epicentre just over the hill near Culverden. 

But most of the village's distinctive log homes bore the pressure well, according to Claudine Barnes from Mt Lyford Holiday Homes.

"Our big benefit has been that all houses are log structures, which are very strong and can handle a bit of movement," she says.

The community has lost some members, especially those who had already experienced the Christchurch quakes. However, the recovery is well on its way, with one new build already booked in for 2018.

For Mr Simpson, who founded the village and accompanying ski field in the '80s, it's brought the small community even closer.

"It brought out the best in people. Some people say these events bring out the best and the worst in people. Well, I didn't see too much of the worst."

Newshub.