The death toll from Cyclone Gabrielle has risen to five, with the discovery of a body in floodwaters in Gisborne.
Authorities are working to establish whether there have been any more fatalities among the hundreds of people who have not been able to be contacted.
Phones and power are still out for tens of thousands of people, major road links remain cut, and getting supplies to affected people is difficult.
Cabinet Minister Michael Wood says rescues continue in Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti.
