Skip to content

Cyclone Gabrielle

Cyclone Gabrielle

Page last updated at 4.57pm on 6 April 2023

Talofa lava,

MPP has set up this page in response to Cyclone Gabrielle, which reached landfall in New Zealand late on 13 February 2023 and into the early hours of 14 February. The impacts of the cyclone have affected much of the country and underlying infrastructure.

MPP staff and partner organisations were on the ground in cyclone-affected regions and helping local and Pacific communities with recovery efforts. Read some of the inspiring stories from our teams on the ground.

Latest updates

  • A locally led, nationally supported taskforce has been established to deliver the 2023 Census in the Hawke's Bay and Te Tairāwhiti, Stats NZ have announced. The census collection in the Hawke’s Bay and Te Tairāwhiti has been extended to June 2023, to enable people to prioritise family wellbeing, their homes, and their businesses following the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.

  • If the recent cyclone or flooding events have impacted your ability to complete the 2023 Census, there's still time to have your say. Stats NZ are working with flood-affected regions to ensure communities have the time and ability to complete their census forms. The results of the census will be critically important in supporting communities across Aotearoa New Zealand and the recovery of cyclone-impacted regions.
  • The State of National Emergency that was declared due to Cyclone Gabrielle has ended.

    A National Transition Period is in place covering the Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Tairāwhiti and Hawke's Bay regions and the Tararua, Masterton, Carterton and South Waikato districts.

    A national transition period enables a seamless transition from the emergency response phase to the recovery stage. It provides local Civil Defence teams with the powers they may need during the early stages of the recovery, such as clearing roads and disposing of dangerous materials. The national transition period also enables remedial works to be carried out, for example to restore access to cut-off properties or make temporary infrastructure repairs.

Emergency Plan English small tile
CD Tile

Support and information is available to those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle:

  • You can find the latest on what support is available by visiting the Civil Defence website

  • Be prepared for further weather events. Stay up to date with the latest forecast by heading to the MetService website.

Latest updates - archive

No updates were made today.

  • The remaining state of national emergency over the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay regions will end on Tuesday 14 March, Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty announced today. Read the media statement on the Beehive website.

No updates were made today.

  • MetService issued the following Heavy Rain Watches and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings today - learn more at the MetService website.
    • Heavy Rain Watch Northland and Auckland, including Great Barrier Island, from 8am to 1pm this afternoon.
    • Heavy Rain Watch Bay of Plenty east of Opotiki from 11am to 8pm tonight.
    • Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for Hurunui at 3pm this afternoon, expected to be accompanied by very heavy rain.
  • This week marks the 35-year anniversary of Cyclone Bola, which dumped between 600-1000mm of rain from Hicks Bay to northern Hawke's Bay and was hugely destructive for the region. The Bola anniversary may raise anxiety and emotions for our Tairāwhiti and Hawke's Bay communities. 

  • The past few weeks have been an intense time for many, and it is normal to be feeling stressed, anxious or uncertain about what the coming days and weeks will bring. The Mental Health Foundation suggests taking a break from social media and the news, call a friend, take notice of the good things around you, and get a good night’s sleep to help with anxiety.

    Visit the Mental Health Foundation website for more useful information or text/call 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor, for free, 24/7.

No updates were made today.

  • Today is Census Day! No matter where you are in New Zealand, even if you are currently away from your normal residence or displaced due to weather events, you should have access to a Census form by now.  Everyone needs to fill out the form and lodge it, either by hand or online, to make sure their information counts. See the Census website for more information and how to access your Census form.
  • Remember that tomorrow is Census Day! No matter where you are in New Zealand, even if you are currently away from your normal residence or displaced due to weather events, you should have access to a Census form by now.  Everyone needs to fill out the form and lodge it, either by hand or online, to make sure their information counts. See the Census website for more information and how to access your Census form.

  • Your mental and emotional wellbeing is important. It’s normal to feel stressed or anxious during or after an emergency. You might have feelings of anxiety, stress, prolonged fear, hopelessness or anger, or just need to talk with someone. You can text or phone 1737 anytime, to speak to a trained counsellor.

    Some people may never have a reaction. Others may have delayed reactions that show up days, weeks or even months after the disaster happens. Not everyone has reactions right away. Your symptoms may go and then come back again when something makes you think of the disaster.

    After a disaster, be sure to talk to someone about how you are feeling. If you feel you're not coping, talk to a health professional. Seek medical help from your doctor or a mental health provider familiar with the effects of disasters. There may be a specialist post-disaster crisis counsellor appointed in your area. See the Get Ready website for more advice about dealing with the emotional effects of a disaster.

  • If you are calling a government agency for cyclone support and you need language assistance, ask for an interpreter. It is the government agency’s responsibility to make sure its services are accessible. This includes providing professional interpreters to the public for free. 

    If you require an interpreter for a face-to-face or video conference meeting, email the agency beforehand to ensure an interpreter is available.

    Many government agencies and councils can assist you with interpreting support. Find the full list on the MBIE website. See also the list of languages supported.

  • The Ministry for Primary Industries has announced that financial support is available to farmers, growers, whenua Māori owners and rural communities to assist the immediate response and recovery efforts related to Cyclone Gabrielle.

  • In response to severe weather events this year, the Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) was activated for several regions in the North Island. 

    These regions include:

    - Auckland
    - Te Tai Tokerau | Northland
    - Tairāwhiti | Gisborne
    - Te Moana a Toi | Bay of Plenty
    - Te Matau-a-Māui | Hawke’s Bay
    - Waikato
    - Tararua District

    If you need temporary accommodation following the floods or Cyclone Gabrielle and live in any of these regions, register your details with TAS and a temporary accommodation coordinator will call you in a few days to discuss helping find a temporary housing solution that works for you. The service is currently experiencing high call volumes, so please be patient.
  • A national Zoom fono for Pacific peoples about Cyclone Gabrielle has been scheduled for TONIGHT at 6pm. The fono will provide information to support Pacific peoples to cope with the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, keeping them informed and increasing awareness of initiatives, and services available to them.

  • Now that the North Island is moving from response phase to recovery phase, the number of Civil Defence centres and shelters in the region is reducing, including the community-led Civil Defence Centre unity-led Civil Defence Centre based in Māngere’s Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Leisure Centre, and the Pacific Response Hub at the People's Place in Otāra, which both officially closed last week. 

  • Just a reminder that Police are seeing spikes in family violence incidents following Cyclone Gabrielle. Family violence is NOT ok. If you or anyone you know feels unsafe, or you suspect is a victim of family violence, please call Police on 111 and report it. Police will respond, ensure safety and provide the services your family need. Further down the page below are a number of support services related to family harm, where you can call, visit or email and get instant support.
  • Health New Zealand have announced free healthcare for displaced persons in Northland, Hawkes Bay and Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) residents.

  • Auckland Emergency Management has some advice about the welfare of animals following severe weather. Animals react in different ways to emergency events. Remember to keep your pets away from anything that has been contaminated with flood water and check for hazards such as damaged fences that could pose a risk to your pets.

  • A dedicated hotline for persons impacted by recent severe weather events has been implemented by Ministry of Social Development. The Severe Weather Phone Line is 0800 400 100. The team is answering a lot of calls, so please be patient and kind when calling.

  • A national Zoom fono for Pacific peoples about Cyclone Gabrielle has been scheduled for Wednesday 1 March at 6pm. The fono will provide information to support Pacific peoples to cope with the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, keeping them informed and increasing awareness of initiatives, and services available to them
  • No updates were made today.
  • If you haven't been receiving emergency alerts on your cell phone, it might be because your phone is not Emergency Alert capable or needs updating to the latest operating system. Learn more at the Get Ready website.

  • The latest episode of Tagata Pasifika features a visit to Napier to see how Pasifika people are coping in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, including an update on RSE workers in the Hawkes Bay region.

  • MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for Tairāwhiti (Gisborne) area from Tologa Bay north for the period 3am Monday to 6am Tuesday. A Heavy Rain Watch has also been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula from 9am Monday to 3am Tuesday. Keep up to date with severe weather alerts via the MetService website.
     
  • The Te Puna Tahua, Lottery Grants Board has emergency funding relief available for community groups/hapū who are supporting communities that have been affected by the 2023 Auckland, Northland and Waikato floods and regions impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. For more information about this Emergency Natural Disaster Relief Fund, please contact your local Community Advisor by phone on 0800 824 824. 

  • There is potential support also available for new and existing Lottery Individuals with Disabilities Grant customers, who need urgent replacement of mobility equipment that has been damaged or lost in the 2023 Auckland, Northland and Waikato floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. For more information, email [email protected] or phone: 0800 824 824 and leave a voicemail message.
  • In the 24 hours to 7pm Saturday 25 February, Police in Eastern District have conducted 543 prevention activities, including reassurance patrols and proactive engagements with storm-hit communities. Over the same period, Police have received 453 calls for service, including five reports of burglaries and 48 family harm incidents.24 people have been arrested for a variety of offences – 14 in Hawke’s Bay and 10 in Tairāwhiti. If you witness a crime, please call Police on 111.

  • Auckland Emergency Management has a dedicated web page that is updated daily about severe weather and flash flooding in the region. If you're in Auckland and need to report flooding, please call them on 0800 22 22 00.

  • For the latest information on road closures and public transport in Auckland, visit the weather watch page on the Auckland Transport Website.

  • A national Zoom fono for Pacific peoples about Cyclone Gabrielle has been scheduled for Wednesday 1 March at 6pm. The fono will provide information to support Pacific peoples to cope with the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, keeping them informed and increasing awareness of initiatives, and services available to them
  • NZ Police have provided an additional 145 staff on the ground in the Eastern District to assist with the cyclone response and provide reassurance to local communities vulnerable to family harm, theft and other crimes.

  • A plea has gone out from Civil Defence to please stop sending donated goods to cyclone-hit areas: NZ Civil Defence | Wellington | Facebook

  • MSD want to reassure people that Work and Income service centres are open for business and may be able to help you if you are affected by Cyclone Gabrielle in Wairoa and Hawke's Bay. Call the free MSD Cyclone Gabrielle Support line on 0800 400 100 for immediate support.

  • The Pacific Response Hub in Auckland is open for another week, until Friday 24 February, to provide support for affected communities.
  • The Mental Health Foundation says that this weekend, it is important to stop and take stock. It has been an intense time for many, and it is normal to be feeling stressed, anxious or uncertain about what the coming days and weeks will bring. They suggest taking a break from social media and the news, call a friend, take notice of the good things around you, and get a good night’s sleep to help with anxiety. Visit the Mental Health Foundation website for more useful information or text/call 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor, for free, 24/7.

  • According to Tairāwhiti Civil Defence, weather has grounded helicopter flights around the Gisborne region that have been dropping off supplies to isolated families. They are hopeful that helicopters will be able to resume deliveries this afternoon.

  • Due to surface flooding and slips on State Highway 1 overnight, there are multiple detours in place between Auckland and Northland. Waka Kotahi is urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and shelter at home. Please don't attempt to drive through flood affected areas, as it is not safe.

  • A national Zoom fono for Pacific peoples about Cyclone Gabrielle has been scheduled for Wednesday 1 March at 6pm. The fono will provide information to support Pacific peoples to cope with the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, keeping them informed and increasing awareness of initiatives, and services available to them
  • MSD are upgrading their systems from 7:30pm on Saturday 25 February to 5:30am on Sunday 26 February, which will impact MyMSD. There may be times when you can’t log in or apply for funding.

  • A national Zoom fono for Pacific peoples about Cyclone Gabrielle has been scheduled for Wednesday 1 March at 6pm. The fono will provide information to support Pacific peoples to cope with the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, keeping them informed and increasing awareness of initiatives, and services available to them

  • Existing providers funded by MPP are still eligible for cyclone relief funding via MSD's Community Providers Fund

  • Work and Income NZ have released a help factsheet for people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle in Wairoa and Hawke’s Bay.
  • In the 24 hours to midday today, Police in Eastern District conducted more than 600 prevention activities, including reassurance patrols and proactive engagements with storm-hit communities.

  • Civil Defence are recommending that monetary donations to relief funds are the most useful way to support communities affected by the cyclone. You can donate directly to Cyclone Gabrielle Mayoral Relief Funds.

  • To help animals affected by the cyclone, donate to the charity Helping You Help Animals (HUHA) which is caring for displaced animals around the North Island. To make an instant donation of $3, text HUHA to 4463.

A National State of Emergency has been declared

A National State of Emergency was declared at 8.43am on 14 February 2023. This will enable the National Controller legal authority to apply resources across the country in support of a national level response. On 20 February, this was extended for a further seven days.

The declaration applies to the areas that have declared a local State of Emergency: Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Ōpōtiki, Whakatāne, Waikato, Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, Tararua, Hawkes Bay.

Key information is available from Civil Defence:

Home » National Emergency Management Agency (civildefence.govt.nz)

Civil Defence Facebook page


Community Support Package for people impacted by recent severe weather events

For information about a government support package to help those affected by the North Island floods and Cyclone Gabrielle, see:

Ministry of Social Development website

Information in Pacific languages

Stay informed posters

See below for posters with a link to the Get Ready website encouraging people to stay informed during an emergency.

Stay informed English

Stay informed Cook Islands

Stay informed Fiji

Stay informed Kiribati

Stay informed Niue

Stay informed Rotuman

Stay informed Samoa

Stay informed Tokelau

Stay informed Tonga

Stay informed Tuvalu

Make an emergency household plan posters

Posters for reminding people to make a plan as a family to get through an emergency (don't forget your pets!).

Make an emergency household plan English

Make an emergency household plan Cook Islands

Make an emergency household plan Fiji

Make an emergency household plan Kiribati

Make an emergency household plan Niue

Make an emergency household plan Rotuman

Make an emergency household plan Samoa

Make an emergency household plan Tokelau

Make an emergency household plan Tonga

Make an emergency household plan Tuvalu

Property assessment stickers

To further support our Pacific communities, we've produced translated copies of the white, yellow and red property assessment stickers for homes affected by the floods.

Home assessment sticker information Vagahau Niue

Home assessment sticker information Te Taetae ni Kiribati

Home assessment sticker information Fäeag Rotuạm Ta

Home assessment sticker information Gagana Samoa

Home assessment sticker information Gagana Tokelau

Home assessment sticker information Lea Faka-Tonga

Home assessment sticker information Te Gana Tuvalu

Home assessment sticker information Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Āirani

Home assessment sticker information Vosa Vakaviti

Get help

Funding is available for those supporting affected communities impacted by the floods and Cyclone Gabrielle:

Public information about Cyclone Gabrielle is being led by local Civil Defence agencies. See below for where to find Civil Defence information in your region. You can also check the Local Civil Defence groups webpage.

Northland Civil Defence

Auckland Emergency Management

Tairāwhiti Civil Defence

Ōpōtiki Civil Defence

Thames Coromandel District Council

Waikato District Council

Hauraki District Civil Defence

Whakatāne District Civil Defence

Bay of Plenty Civil Defence

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence

Tararua District Council

Civil Defence sites and services

If you urgently need somewhere to stay, go to your nearest Civil Defence Centre or register with the Temporary Accommodation Service.

If you are the tenant or landlord of a rental property, you can find information on your rights and obligations at www.tenancy.govt.nz or by phoning 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).

Below, you'll find links to the most up to date information on welfare centres providing emergency support and accommodation across the northern region.

Northland Regional Council - Civil Defence information page, also see info below:

If you need information, assistance or to report urgent cyclone-related issues in the Northland area, here are the key contact numbers for each district:

• Whangarei: 0800 932 463

• Far North: 0800 920 029

• Kaipara: If you require welfare assistance due to Cyclone Gabrielle please contact 09 439 1111. To report damage to roads or log other service requests please phone 0800 727 059.

Whangārei Civil Defence centre - also Terenga Paraoa Marae on Porowini Ave

Auckland Civil Defence list of welfare centres and shelters

Hawkes Bay Civil Defence list of welfare centres by area - or phone the Auckland Emergency Management (Civil Defence) team on freephone 0800 22 22 00.

Thames/Coromandel Civil Defence list of welfare centres

Tāirawhiti information page - welfare centres are currently being set up but in the meantime, please phone 0800 653 800 day or night for assistance

Taranaki Emergency Management info page - keep an eye on this page for developments and updates

If you and/or your aiga need emergency welfare help, please phone the Ministry of Social Development on freephone 0800 400 100.

  • Civil Defence payments are available for people affected by the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
  • You don't need to be on a benefit to qualify for a Civil Defence payment.
  • In most cases, it doesn't matter what your income is.
  • For more information about the Civil Defence payment, visit the Work & Income website.

Regularly updated key safety messages for getting through an emergency event.

  • Keep up to date with MetService weather forecasts.
  • Be aware that storms can trigger floods and landslides.  Make sure you know how to respond.
  • Follow your local Civil Defence groups for the latest updates and advice for your area on the Civil Defence website.
  • Have a plan for what your whānau will do in an emergency and don't forget to include your pets. Check out the Get Ready website for tips and advice.
  • Have grab bags ready for everyone in your family. These will include medications, snacks, water, torches, pet food, baby formula (if needed).
  • Remove any debris or loose items from around your property and tie down your trampoline and other heavy outdoor objects.
  • Check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.
  • Power cuts could affect EFTPOS and ATM machines, so make sure you have some cash at home, or enough supplies to see you through three days or more.
  • Know which paddocks are safe if you have livestock. To prevent risks from lightning, move livestock away from floodwaters, landslides, power lines, and isolated trees.
  • Work out what supplies you might need.
  • Have materials and tools ready to repair windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
  • Find out which local radio stations to listen to in an emergency – your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group will have information on this.
  • Storms can cause flooding in coastal areas. Be ready to act quickly. Coastal flooding can happen quickly and the warning time may be short. If you feel unsafe, evacuate to higher ground or away from coastal areas. You do not need to wait for an evacuation order to move to safety.
  • Find out what to do before, during and after a storm. https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/storms/
  • For food safety advice following a natural disaster, please visit the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

 

Police and family harm services unfortunately see drastic spikes in family violence occurrences during disasters and national emergencies like Cyclone Gabrielle. Family violence does not discriminate. It exists across all ethnicities, communities and ages. It is not OK.

Rather than resorting to harming others in times of stress, uncertainty and loss, Police and welfare services urge people to reach out for help. There are a number of services who are willing to assist and reassure families during this time. However, if you or anyone you know feels unsafe, or is a Victim of family violence, please call Police on 111 and report it. Police will respond, ensure safety and provide the services your family need.

Below are support services related to family harm:

Phone support

Police: 111, if unsafe to speak, push 55

Shine: 0508 744 633

Safe to Talk: 0800 044 334 or text 4334

Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843

Tu Wahine Trust: 09 838 8700

Are You OK?: 0800 456 450

Online support

https://www.police.govt.nz/advice/family-violence/help 

https://women.govt.nz/safety/where-go-help

https://www.facebook.com/womenofnewzealand

https://www.2shine.org.nz/

http://www.safetotalk.nz/

https://womensrefuge.org.nz/

https://www.areyouok.org.nz/

https://nnfvs.org.nz/ 

https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/social-services/sexual-harm/tu-wahine-trust/at/247-edmonton-road-te-atatu-south-auckland/

Pacific Response Hub

The Pacific Response Hub closed for cyclone-related support on 24 February 2023.

The People's Place, 5 Otāra Road, Otāra

  • 9 am - 5 pm
  • Access to all services at the hub is free of charge

The Pacific Response Hub was a joint venture between key central and local government agencies and local South Auckland community providers.

The Pacific Response Hub existed to create a physically accessible, culturally appropriate hub to fulfil the requirements of Pacific families for short to medium-term support as a result of the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.

The hub was committed to providing:

  • Follow Up support for families who have received immediate emergency support from AEM and Civil Defence
  • A family-friendly environment and physical space for affected families and individuals to connect and identify their needs through short-medium term care plans.

 

Please Note: While the Pacific Response Hub in Otāra closed for cyclone-related support on 24 February 2023, the Pacific Hub remains open to Pacific communities for non-cyclone support.

Work and Income help

Work and Income are open and may be able to help you if you are affected by Cyclone Gabrielle in Wairoa and Hawke's Bay. 

Work and Income factsheet for people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle in Wairoa and Hawke’s Bay

Call Work and Income now:

MSD Cyclone Gabrielle Support line - 0800 400 100 for
food, bedding, clothing and loss of livelihood.
MSD General line - 0800 559 009

Lines are open 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm Saturday and Sunday.

If you're deaf, hearing-impaired or find it hard to communicate by phone, please email: [email protected]


MSD are open

Work and Income Service Centres are open to help people who need Civil Defence support for; food, bedding, clothing and loss of livelihood.

Opening hours are 8.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. On Wednesdays we open later at 9.30 am to 5.00pm.

Wairoa - Financial Literacy Services, Main Street, Wairoa
Napier - 245-247 Tennyson Street, Napier
Taradale - 15 Lee Road, Taradale
Hastings - 506 Eastbourne Street, Hastings
Flaxmere - 8 Swansea Road, Hastings
Waipukurau - 1 Marlborough Street, Waipukura


Apply online

You can apply online for most Work and Income benefits or payments. For other assistance, visit the Work and Income website at:

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/online-services/apply/index.html 

National Emergency Management Agency (Civil Defence)

The National Emergency Management Agency (Civil Defence) has the most up-to-date information on the evolving situation. Please visit their website at:

Northland Region

Waikato District

Thames Coromandel

Bay of Plenty

Waitomo District Council

The Waitomo District Council provides Civil Defence updates and information for the Waitomo region. For welfare assistance please phone 0800 932 4357.

Ministry of Education

Kāinga Ora housing support

If you or your aiga are living in a Kāinga Ora home that has been damaged by flooding, please call the Kāinga Ora team on freephone 0800 801 601.

If the damage means you're unable to live in your home at the moment, please contact the Auckland Emergency Management (Civil Defence) team on freephone 0800 22 22 00.

Power outages

To check power outages around the area, you can visit the Vector website and enter your address for the latest updates:

Water and wastewater issues

For information on affected water and wastewater services, visit:

Road closures

For the latest updates on road closures and travel advice around the region, visit:

MetService

For weather updates visit the MetService website.

 

Te Whatu Ora | Ministry of Health

Floodwaters can carry bugs that cause disease from the ground surface, septic tanks, and sewerage systems.

It’s important to make sure your food and water aren’t contaminated and to clean up, drain and dry out the house as quickly as possible.

For information on staying safe after a flood, including food and water safety, go to the Te Whatu Ora floods and health web page.

 

Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS)

ARPHS has a flooding information page on their website, including health and safety advice and some tips on cleaning up after a flooding event.

ARPHS website

All road closures can be checked on the Waka Kotahi website.

Help others

For those with time to donate, a number of volunteering services around the country are up and running and looking for more help. Here are links to some local organisations:

Volunteering Hawke's Bay

Volunteering Northland

Volunteering Bay of Plenty

Volunteering Auckland

Volunteering Waikato

Student Volunteer Army

To help animals affected by the cyclone, donate to the charity Helping You Help Animals (HUHA), which is caring for displaced animals around the North Island. To make an instant donation of $3, text HUHA to 4463.

If you're concerned about someone you're unable to make contact with, you can use the following link to register their name and other details with the NZ Police:

Person inquired for | New Zealand Police - online forms

If you are not able to be contacted and want to let people know that you're safe, use the following link to register your name and other details with the NZ Police:

Registering I'm alive | New Zealand Police - online forms