RNZ reporter Kate Green is in Gisborne and joins Lisa Owen with the latest details.
Help is coming from the Defence Force for Tairāwhiti and northern Hawke's Bay.
The HMNZS Manawanui is sailing from Auckland with supplies destined for Tairāwhiti, and will deliver water supplies to small communities on its way.
It's expected to arrive at first light in Gisborne.
The HMNZS Te Mana will sail tomorrow to Napier, supplying Wairoa with water and other essential supplies.
A member of the national emergency team has been on the ground in Wairoa today to help establish communications.
An NH90 helicopter has moved teams into Wairoa, and a rapid relief team is working to provide a drop of bottled water for 3000 people via helicopter, planned to arrive this evening.
