Mayoral candidate Peter Revell has been quietly sharing a remarkable and deeply personal story of survival — one that places him at the centre of one of the 21st century’s worst natural disasters.
Ten years ago, in April 2015, Revell was part of a group of 12 men trekking to Everest Base Camp when Nepal was rocked by a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake. The disaster claimed the lives of nearly 9,000 people, flattened over 600,000 homes, and displaced almost three million Nepalis.
What saved Revell and his companions was an extraordinary twist of fate. The group had delayed their departure that morning to attend an ANZAC Day service on the mountain — a decision that likely spared their lives.
Originally scheduled to reach base camp around midday, the earthquake struck at 11:56am, just as they would have arrived.
Last week, Revell shared his account of the experience with more than 60 members of Grey Power in Whangamatā. His vivid, first-hand recollection of camaraderie, chaos, and survival left many in the audience stunned. “If I hadn’t heard you tell that firsthand, I wouldn’t have believed it,” was a common response.
Since the talk, Revell has been invited to speak in other parts of the Thames-Coromandel District, including Thames, Tairua and Pauanui. As the 10th anniversary of the tragedy is marked around the world, Revell’s story offers a powerful reminder of the fragility of life — and the strength found in friendship, timing, and resilience.
