Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu chairwoman Lisa Tumahai said the former kohanga reo building had borne the brunt of the destructive vortex of wind.
Insurance assessors had been out yesterday morning already and said they determined the community building was a ''write off''.
The roof was missing and windows and doors smashed.
''There are complete walls missing.''
Whanau were out in force cleaning up debris including roofing iron, Pink Batts and broken timber which had been thrown as far as the urupa (cemetery) overlooking the pa.
The side of a small shed and other building relics also littered the side of State Highway 6, having being flung about 400m.
Mrs Tumahai said several surrounding homes had been damaged and small backyard storage sheds had disappeared.
Those living in the path of the tornado described the ominous roar as it closed in, travelling up the nearby river about 5.15am.
''They could hear the winds whistling and roaring.
''One of our family members had a look and saw debris flying through the air,'' she said.
Timber from the kohanga's roof had been driven deep into the ground by the wild winds, narrowly missing a pet goat.
However, despite the widespread destruction, there had been no injuries.
It appeared the tornado had come up the Arahura River from the west and up the valley, heading through the Old Christchurch Rd intersection. A police spokeswoman said the tornado destroyed railway crossing bells.
The Westland District Council said it cut power and water. Residents were told to conserve water as the power cut affected the settlement's water pump.
-By Janna Sherman
- The Hokitika Guardian
