Natural Disasters

When the floodwaters rose south of Napier in Waiohiki, the flow was so fast and deep it swept cars right through homes.

160 people gathered at the local marae where they were looked after, as waters… Audio

The massive operation to reach people continues.

Police are working through about 3000 reports of people who can't be contacted, but they stress some of those may be multiple reports about the same… Audio

Some growers in Hawke's Bay have just seen for the first time the devastation from the Cyclone to their orchards.

Catherine Wedd is the National Party's candidate in Tukituki and has sat on the New… Audio

Authorities are looking at "exploring alternative options via sea or air" for fuel supplies in areas hard hit by the cyclone.

Service stations are only slowly reopening and parts of Hawke's Bay… Audio

Eighteen extra search and rescue workers have been sent to Hawkes Bay to help with firefighters efforts.

Hundreds of people have been saved since the region was flooded on Monday, but Fire and… Audio

The Defence Force now has 700 people helping with the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle, up from 200 on Tuesday night.

A fleet of NH90 helicopters have been assessing damage, helping with rescue… Audio

The death toll in Cyclone Gabrielle has risen to five, with a body being found in Gisborne flood waters.

There are concerns the death toll could rise further, with about 1400 people being reported… Audio

Hospitals in Tairāwhiti and Hawkes Bay have managed to remain in operation despite power and internet outages.

Gisborne Hospital only has a week of fuel to run its generators, but is able to access… Audio

Napier's mayor is reminding those who are worried about friends and family that access to internet and phone services remains limited for many. 

Kirsten Wise says it is difficult to get information… Audio

Foodstuffs is asking everyone in the North Island to only buy what they need at the supermarket while they try to get essential stock out to cut-off regions. Supplies have been sent by helicopters… Audio

Hastings and Napier are still having issues with infrastructure after Cylone Gabrielle. 

The regions were hit hard by the storm.

Reporter Lauren Crimp spoke to Kim Hill from Hastings.
  Audio

Helicopters continue to rescue people from roofs and fly generators to farflung hills to reboot cellphone towers.

Last evening the government said 25 individuals or groups still needed rescuing 

The… Audio

A fifth person has been confirmed dead in Cyclone Gabrielle, and police fear the huge storm may have taken even more lives.

The latest death, announced this morning, is a person in Gisborne who is… Audio

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… Audio

Efforts are underway to get power, internet and essential services back up and running in Hawkes Bay. 

State Highway 51 between Napier and Hastings reopened at 8pm on Wednesday.

Wairoa remains cut… Audio

The body of a person has been found in Gisborne flood waters.

Police say further details will be provided when they become available.

It is the fifth death death linked to Cyclone Gabrielle.

… Audio

Getting supermarket supplies to parts of the country cut off is proving difficult but not impossible.

Overnight, Countdown's supply chain team has been getting essential deliveries on the road to… Audio

Waka Kotahi says travel to and from the Coromandel should be possible by Thursday morning.

A mammoth slip on Northland's State Highway 1 at Dome Valley may be cleared by Friday

Meanwhile across… Audio

Cyclone Gabrielle is well off the coast of the country but her tail is coming back to flick up parts of the South and North islands. 

Metservice is forecasting isolated showers across the North… Audio