Northland woman Tina Johnson has shared her extraordinary story of survival after a tornado completely destroyed her Mangawhai home, leaving her seriously injured and her property in ruins.

Johnson was asleep in her second-storey bedroom on Old Waipu Road around 3am on January 26 when she woke to the sound of an approaching tornado. Within seconds, she and the mattress she was on were sucked into the tornado’s vortex, lifted and spun through the air, before being thrown from her home and landing on top of her metal shed. The bedroom roof then collapsed on top of her.

Despite her injuries, she was able to call for help, with neighbours quickly coming to her aid. Reaching her was challenging for emergency crews due to the debris and destruction blocking the roads. She was carried down the road before being transported to Mangawhai Heads Beach, where she was airlifted by helicopter to Auckland Hospital.

Johnson suffered serious injuries, including a broken bone protruding from her wrist and significant damage to her leg. She has undergone multiple surgeries and faces a long recovery. She is currently using a wheelchair but is making progress, with hopes of being discharged soon.

Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson visited Tina in hospital in February - the KFC and a beer was very welcomed!

However, with her home completely destroyed and now being demolished, Johnson has no house to return to. She plans to move in with friends in Mangawhai once she leaves hospital and is incredibly grateful for the support shown by her community and strangers throughout her recovery.

A Givealittle page, set up by her neighbour to support her recovery, has so far raised more than $5800. Funds donated will go towards her recovery and living expenses until she is fit and healthy again. ACC will provide some financial assistance.

To donate, visit the Givealittle page here:

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/mangawhai-tornado-destroys-tinas-home-and-leaves