Important Storm Updates

Source: Auckland Council

08:00 Friday 3 February

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Auckland experienced further wet weather yesterday and overnight, with rain affecting the eastern parts of the region this morning. 

Georgina Griffiths, MetService Meteorologist says we are still expecting a few heavy localised showers later today, so it is still important to keep checking MetService’s Rain Radar.

“While there have been no high intensity rain rates overnight, the rainfall does add to already sodden ground.

“High humidity remains which can bring some localised heavy showers to some parts in the region. So please be prepared and keep checking the rain radar on MetService’s website.

“We’re expecting the weather to improve over the weekend, but some showers may be expected on Monday.”

Be prepared 

• Make sure you stay informed. Keep updated on the weather forecast at www.metservice.com/warnings 
• Avoid unnecessary travel. Check road conditions if you do have to travel 
• Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. Act immediately if you see rising water – do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from flood water 
• Check www.aem.org.nz for updates and information. Listen to emergency services and self-evacuate if you feel unsafe 
• If life is in danger, call 111 immediately  

Transport 

• Despite an improvement in weather conditions AT is encouraging Aucklanders to take care when travelling on the transport network 
• 400 members of AT’s road maintenance crew are currently out working across the network to clear slips, repair flood damage and reopen roads. 
• For the latest information on road closures and public transport, check: govt.nz/weatherwatch. 

Welfare 

Our Welfare and Logistics teams are continuing to work as quickly as possible to conduct needs assessments and get those displaced into accommodation. 

There are three Civil Defence Centres open at Randwick Park, Albany and Henderson.   

Our Kelston centre has now transitioned to the Bruce McLaren Community Centre at HubWest, 27 Corban Avenue, Henderson.     

Our five Community Support Hubs also remain open. These are: 

• Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre in Mascot Ave, Mangere (24 hours) 
• Te Manawa, 11 Kohuhu Lane, Westgate (9am-5pm) 
• New Lynn Community Centre, 45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn (9am – 5pm) 
• Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings (9am-5pm) 
• Birkenhead Leisure Centre, 46 Mahara Avenue, Birkenhead (9am-5pm)  

If you need any support and assistance – please call us on 0800 22 22 00. 

Waste 

• To help with the clean-up council now has 15 locations around the region where people can drop off their storm related debris.  
• If you want to take your waste to one of these stations, please phone Auckland Council on 0800 22 22 00 to confirm your visit.  
• For uninsured people the drop off is free. 
• The first step for insured people who want to dispose of storm related waste is to contact their insurer and they will advise the next steps as policies do differ. 

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15:00 Thursday 2 February

Live Update

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Auckland is experiencing very high humidity and a severe thunderstorm watch is in force from now until 10pm tonight, for all of Aotea Great Barrier and all of Auckland.

Georgina Griffiths, MetService Meteorologist says to be prepared and check MetService’s Rain Radar but any downpours are likely to be localised.

“Today and tomorrow brings us perfect thunderstorm weather. Our advice is to keep an eye on the rain radar on MetService’s website.

“Remember, not everyone will see the thunderstorms or the associated downpours and any impacts are likely to be localised. However, it is still important to be prepared – this high intensity rainfall is not helpful to our clean up, brings further risk of localised flooding, and exacerbates our risk of slips.

“There is some good news, however, as we expect the weather to improve on Saturday and Sunday.”

Be prepared

• Make sure you stay informed. Keep updated on the weather forecast at metservice.com/warnings
• Avoid unnecessary travel. Check road conditions if you do have to travel
• Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. Act immediately if you see rising water – do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from flood water
• Check aem.org.nz for updates and information. Listen to emergency services and self-evacuate if you feel unsafe
• If life is in danger, call 111 immediately

Building assessments update

• We have had 95 teams working in the field today to complete the rapid building assessments.
• As of 3pm, we have issued 196 red placards, 971 yellow placards and 1809 white placards
• The teams are currently on track to have the rapid building assessments completed by the end of Sunday.
• If you are concerned about your home or building and would like to request a building assessment, please call a 0800 22 22 00. Read more about what to expect from flood-damaged building inspections, including information on buildings with stickers and placards.

Transport

• Despite an improvement in weather conditions AT is encouraging Aucklanders to take care when travelling on the transport network
• 400 members of AT’s road maintenance crew are currently out working across the network to clear slips, repair flood damage and reopen roads.
• Since Saturday, more than 60 roads have been restored and reopened; with 29 roads currently remaining closed.
• For the latest information on road closures and public transport, check: govt.nz/weatherwatch.

Public transport

• Rail services are running to reduced timetables
  • on the Western Line – between Newmarket and Swanson, with a transfer required at New Lynn)
  • Southern Line – Papakura to Britomart via the Eastern Line
  • and the Eastern Line – running at peak between Britomart and Manukau, and off-peak between Manukau and Otahuhu with a transfer needed at Otahuhu to Southern Line services to complete the journey.
• Bus rail replacement services are running
  • between Britomart and Newmarket due to significant slips at the Parnell rail tunnel
  • and on the Onehunga Line and Southern Line between Otahuhu and Newmarket.
• Bus services are operating on all routes although some have extended journey times because of road closures and detours.
• Dedicated school bus services are being reinstated for those schools which have reopened today.
• Ferry services are operating reduced timetables today, apart from Gulf Harbour which will continue to operate a bus replacement.
• Public transport passengers wanting to travel on public transport services should check the AT Mobile app or AT websitefor the latest information on public transport services before they travel.

Welfare

As of midday, we have found accommodation for people from over 120 households. Our Welfare and Logistics teams are continuing to work as quickly as possible to conduct needs assessments and get the remainder of those displaced into accommodation.

• There are three Civil Defence Centres open at Randwick Park, Albany and Henderson.
• Our Kelston centre has now transitioned to the Bruce McLaren Community Centre at HubWest, 27 Corban Avenue, Henderson.

Our five Community Support Hubs also remain open. These are:

• Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre in Mascot Ave, Mangere (24 hours)
• Te Manawa, 11 Kohuhu Lane, Westgate (9am-5pm)
• New Lynn Community Centre, 45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn (9am – 5pm)
• Fickling Convention Centre, 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings (9am-5pm)
• Birkenhead Leisure Centre, 46 Mahara Avenue, Birkenhead (9am-5pm)

If you need any support and assistance – please call us on 0800 22 22 00.

Waste

• To help with the clean-up council now has 15 locations around the region where people can drop off their storm related debris.
• If you want to take your waste to one of these stations, please phone Auckland Council on 0800 22 22 00 to confirm your visit.
• For uninsured people the drop off is free.
• The first step for insured people who want to dispose of storm related waste is to contact their insurer and they will advise the next steps as policies do differ.

 

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08:00 Thursday 2 February

Live Update

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Last night, Metservice issued a new heavy rain watch for the Hunua Ranges and Coromandel Peninsula from noon today to 6am Friday.

We expect showers to develop this afternoon, becoming more frequent this evening, before hopefully easing Friday morning and clearing. 

Getting around

Work continues across the Auckland region to clean up further damage that occurred across our road and public transport network yesterday, along with the extensive damage that resulted from Friday’s event.

Auckland Transport continues to urge Aucklanders to take care when travelling on the network.

• AT has had more than 550 road maintenance crew members out across the region yesterday (Wednesday) working to reopen roads. 
• They are making good progress and since Saturday, 49 roads have been restored and reopened.
• 39 roads are currently partly or fully closed with other lane closures on the network.

Public transport

• Rail services will run to reduced timetables on the Western (between Newmarket and Swanson with a transfer required at New Lynn), Southern (Papakura to Britomart via the Eastern Line) and Eastern Line (between Manukau and Otahuhu with a transfer required at Otahuhu to Southern Line services to complete the journey).
• Bus rail replacement services continue between Britomart and Newmarket, Onehunga Line and Southern Line between Ōtāhuhu and Newmarket.
• Bus services are operating on all routes with extended journey times due to detours as a result of road closures.
• Dedicated school bus services are being reinstated where schools will be opening today.
• Passengers wanting to travel on public transport services should check the AT Mobile app or AT website for the latest information on public transport services before they travel.
• Ferry services are operating reduced timetables. One exception is Gulf Harbour which will continue to operate with a bus replacement.
• AT undertook a successful welfare run to Rakino Island yesterday afternoon and reinstatement of regular services has yet to be confirmed.
• For the latest information on road closures and public transport, check: govt.nz/weatherwatch.

Welfare

• There are three Civil Defence Centres open at Randwick Park, Albany and Kelston and a community information hub in Māngere.
• Our Kelston centre will be transitioning to Henderson from today. The new address will be Bruce McLaren Community Centre at HubWest, 27 Corban Avenue, Henderson.    
• There are also four community information hubs open 9-5pm at:  
  • Te Manawa, Westgate – 11 Kohuhu Lane (9am-5pm) 
  • New Lynn Community Centre – 45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn (9am-5pm) 
  • Fickling Convention Centre – 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings (9am-5pm) 
  • Birkenhead Leisure Centre – 46 Mahara Avenue, Birkenhead (9am-5pm) 
• If you need any support and assistance – please call us on 0800 22 22 00.

Water and wastewater

• Watercare crews have begun the clean-up and have been working extended hours to get Auckland running again.
• Due to the volume of overflows, it may be a couple of days before these are all dealt with. Watercare is sending texts to the customers who reported overflows they haven’t got to yet.
• Watercare is attending to and cleaning-up after all known wastewater overflows from their manholes.
• Please remember to treat all floodwater as contaminated, wear protective clothing and wash hands thoroughly after clean-up and before handling food.
• We expect Wairau Pump Station to be operating at full capacity again today.

Landslips

• There is a high risk of more landslips as a result of the weather we’ve seen, such as the significant collapses on the north shore and in Āwhitu yesterday.
• Auckland Council geotechnical engineers and building inspectors are prioritising assessments where properties are at risk.

 Waste

• To help with the clean-up council now has 15 drop off facilities around the region where people can drop off storm related debris. For uninsured people the drop off is free.
• If you want to take your waste to one of these stations, please phone Auckland Council on 0800 22 22 00 to confirm your visit.
• The first step for insured people who want to dispose of storm related waste is to contact their insurer and they will advise the next steps as policies do differ.

Swimming

• We’re seeing more sun in the weather forecast, but all urban beaches in Auckland have black “do not swim” pins due to being contaminated by flood water.
• Check Safeswim to see when it is safe to return to the water

Lifts 

• We are aware we have over 200 situations where high rise buildings have lifts not working because of flooding into basements and lift shafts.
• We are in contact with the major lift companies and are assured they are working as quickly as possible on the problem.
• This may mean difficult access for residents who may have to walk up many floors to and from home. If this causes issues for you, please remember you can call us on 0800 22 22 00 for help. 
• Property owners and residents are advised to contact their body corporate or property managers to report any incidents of this nature.
• We urge Aucklanders to check on their neighbours and alert us if there is anyone who needs our assistance.

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15:00 Wednesday 1 February

Live Update

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Auckland Emergency Management is continuing to support the Auckland community and its emergency services partners following another period of wet weather.  

Here are Auckland Emergency Management’s latest operational updates as the response continues. 

Weather outlook  

• Heavy rain and winds have eased and there are currently no watches or warnings for Auckland. Isolated heavy showers/thunderstorms are possible 12pm – 8pm today, mainly in the west including Piha.   
• We are currently expecting showers on Thursday afternoon, more frequent in the evening and easing Friday morning and clearing from midday.   No significant coastal impacts are expected, due to modest tides.  
• The additional heavy rain and strong winds this morning caused surface flooding in many areas resulting in road closures or restrictions. It has also resulted in more property damage today.   

Disruption to Building Control Services  

• On Tuesday 31 January, Auckland Council imposed a restriction on non-essential building consent related inspections. This has been extended to Tuesday 7 February.   
• All inspections scheduled through to this date will be cancelled.   
• Where there are essential inspections required customers should email our inspection inbox at BCdispatcher@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.   

• We will continue to deliver only essential building inspection services over this period. Essential services are those relating to welfare, medical, emergency response, and critical infrastructure (such as supermarkets or those required to prevent or resolve risk to life/property).  
• We recognise how disruptive this booking restriction will be for the industry, which in many cases will have also suffered setbacks from flood damage. However, it is important that we continue to prioritise the identification of unsafe buildings to safeguard the public and enable the recovery process.   
• Moving forward, our inspection booking portal will be open to book, or re-book, inspections from 8.00am, Thursday 2 February for Tuesday 7 February onwards.   
• After the restriction period has ended, we will maintain our policy of a guaranteed re-inspection following a failed inspection within 24 hours.  
• Please do not book the same inspection more than once. We will not be charging people to re-book inspections that we have cancelled due to the restriction period.    
• Over the next few weeks, we will work with the construction industry and building consent authority colleagues to clear any resulting inspection backlog arising from these restrictions.  

Welfare  

• As the weather improves, there are some changes to the civil defence and evacuation centres.  
• Centres are still open at Māngere, Randwick Park, Albany and Kelston. Warkworth, Kumeu and Wellsford are now closed. 
• Anyone needing support can still contact us at 0800 22 22 00.  

Auckland Transport   

• We thank Aucklanders for 20 per cent less traffic on the roads today. Some slips and clean-ups will take considerable time to clear safely, such as on Scenic Drive which has 4 significant slips.  
• 34 roads are currently closed, down significantly from the total of 82 since Friday.   

• Please take extreme care when travelling.  
• Due to the unprecedented events of the past few days, Auckland Transport has authorised the waiver of all infringement notices issued between 2pm on Friday 27 January and 9am this morning.  

Lifts and insurance  

• We understand a number of lifts are out of service in buildings across the city. With so many high-rise residential buildings, this means difficult access for residents who may have to walk up many floors to and from home. If this causes issues for you, please remember you can call us on 0800 22 22 00 for help.  
• A reminder to those who may be working on their clean ups in coming days – please take photos of the damage before you dispose of anything.  
• If you have insurance, call them before you get started to make sure you’re collecting all the information you need. If you’ve had the misfortune of flooding on multiple days, do your best to keep your records of the two events separate, in case your insurer considers claims for each event separately.  

Schools  

• Schools can now open from Thursday, and they will provide specific updates to their own communities.  

Businesses   

• Affected Auckland businesses can check Tātaki Auckland Unlimited website for links to external resources and support options targeting businesses. More info at: aucklandunlimited.com  
• A Business Support Helpline is being operated by the Employers and Manufacturers Association. It’s for business owners affected by the severe weather conditions.   Call 0800 500 362 for specific information, ie. staff leave, paying employees, insurance, etc.   

Water and Wastewater  

• Fewer than 100 properties in west Auckland were without water this morning – down from approx. 3,000 on Sunday. Watercare crews are due to restore service to the remaining affected customers today.  
• Auckland has experienced the largest rain event on record and the stormwater impacts have been regionwide. Hundreds of staff and contractors worked over the weekend and will continue in the coming days. They are continually clearing debris from hot spots and inlet grilles.   
• Clean-up work is expected to take several weeks. There is a lot of debris in waterways and harbours – stay safe and avoid at risk activities. 

Waste Management  

• Waste generated during clean-up operations is going to be a big area of focus for us and our waste management plan is developing.   
• The New Zealand Defence Force has been helping us. This afternoon, the Air Force conducted a reconnaissance flight over impacted areas to get a clearer picture of where waste is, and if more resources are required. This will help us with our waste plans.    
• The Defence Force is also on the ground helping some impacted communities with loading skip bins and at assisting at some of the civil defence centres.    

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08:00 Wednesday 1 February

Live Update

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Auckland experiences widespread heavy rain this morning

Overnight, we’ve experienced widespread heavy rain across the region in the early hours of this morning and high winds overnight.

The weather system is sitting slightly further south than forecast, with a heavy band of rain currently passing over North Shore and the central city out across the West. This appears to be heading south.

• This morning has caused surface flooding which is impacting road networks heading into the city.
• We’re expecting a more detailed forecast from MetService a bit later this morning.
• If you need urgent flood assistance or need to report flooding in your area phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
• Act immediately is you see rising flood water, do not wait for official warnings. If you do need to evacuate, take care and bring essential items with you. Evacuation centres are open in Wellsford, Warkworth, Kumeu, Kelston, Albany, Randwick Park and Mangere.
• We’ve had low numbers through the new evacuation centre sites (Wellsford, Warkworth and Kumeu) overnight and are checking in with the other sites around the region again now.
• Fire and Emergency have responded to 53 weather-related calls this morning. Two of these were flooding of habitable floors and was a tree fallen across a house.
• This is an emerging situation, and as becomes light we can assess the full extent of the impacts.

Auckland Transport’s advice for people travelling on Wednesday

• Auckland Transport is responding to multiple flood events across the network.
• We’ve just had reports of the Awhitu Peninsula is cut off due to multiple slips. We’re following up with Auckland Transport for more information.
• Consider staying home or travelling later in the day once the heaviest periods of rain have passed.
• Do not walk, drive or cycle through floodwater because it can pose a series risk to your health and safety.

Plan ahead before you leave – check the AT Mobile app or website for public transport information and www.at.govt.nz/weatherwatch for the latest information about road closures

New road closures as at 7.30am – this is in addition to closures available on the AT website

• Coatesville Riverhead Highway between Ridge Road and Wake Road
• Tamaki Drive
• South Eastern Arterial – Carbine to Motorway (SEART)
• Scenic Drive now has 4 slips
• Te Henga Road – Detour through Bethells Road
• Woodbay Road – at 110 due to a slip
• Fred Thomas Drive
• Wairau Road is open but there is a watch in place

Roads to avoid

• SH1 Northcote – only two lanes operating each way.
• Flooding at SH20 around Onehunga and SH1 at Greenlane. One lane closed Southbound.

Trains

• No train services on the Western Line – three train units are currently stuck due to flooding and slips. No passengers are on board
• Eastern Line – services operating Manukau to Otahuhu in both directions
• Southern Line – running Papakura to Panmure in both directions. There is flooding between Orakei and Glenn Innes.

Buses

• Northern Busway closed between Akoranga Station and Smales Farm Station.

Remember when travelling

• Avoid unnecessary travel. Check road conditions if you do have to travel
• Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. Act immediately if you see rising water – do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from flood water
• Check aem.org.nz for updates and information. Listen to emergency services and self-evacuate if you feel unsafe
• If life is in danger, call 111 immediately.

Additional Civil Defence Centres

• West: St Leonards Road School, 15 St Leonards Road, Kelston
• North: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
• South: Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park
• South: Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre in Mascot Ave, Mangere.

Three more Civil Defence Centres opened yesterday, ahead of the forecast severe weather.

They are located at:

• Warkworth Town Hall, 2 Alnwick Street – operated by NZ Defence Force
• Wellsford Community Centre, 1 Matheson Road – operated by Red Cross
• Kumeu Community Centre, 35 Access Road – operated by Auckland Council Park Rangers

Bring with you any essential items you may need, eg. medication, special food.

Community and Information Centres

From midday today, we will have four additional community and information centres open, alongside the Māngere centre. The centres will be staffed by government welfare and support services and will operate from 9am to 5pm daily until further notice.

The four additional centres are located at:

• Te Manawa, Westgate – 11 Kohuhu Lane
• New Lynn Community Centre – 45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn
• Fickling Convention Centre – 546 Mount Albert Road, Three Kings
• Birkenhead Leisure Centre – 46 Mahara Avenue, Birkenhead

Waste collection

• As you are aware we have worked with private sector partner operators to make available eight facilities for disposal of storm/flood damaged material for free for residents that are unable to cover the cost of disposal. We now have 9 facilities across the region that Aucklanders can access. Working on adding more facilities.
• 240 people are already booked to go to the disposal facilities. Number of customers and tonnage received from different facilities is yet to come.
• Over 230 customers have been to Waitakere Transfer Station, receiving over 100 tonnes to date.
• Skip bins have been delivered to areas of communal need and a waste management plan is being developed and operationalised to address contaminated household waste.
• NZDF and Task Force Green are assisting Solid Waste teams at skip bin sites across the region.

Water supply

• There has been a significant impact on operations due to last night’s rain. Additional staff and contractors were rostered on through the night and are available today.
• Tap water remains safe to drink.
• Water reservoirs were filled across Auckland last night, anticipating heavy rainfall.
• Strong progress to resolve the water supply issues in Titirangi and Glen Eden. Customers in affected areas were surveyed last night and may be re-surveyed to understand how their situation has changed.
• 10 wastewater pump stations were electrically damaged on Friday. All pump stations are running. Wairau is running at a reduced capacity, so some wastewater is still overflowing into the local waterway.
• All 18 wastewater treatment plants are operational.

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15.00 Tuesday 31 January

Live update

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Severe weather warnings in place 

MetService has issued a red heavy rain warning for Auckland north of Ōrewa from 5pm Tuesday 31 January until 8am on Wednesday, 1 February 2023. An orange heavy rain warning for Auckland south of Ōrewa and  
Aotea / Great Barrier Island from 8pm Tuesday 31 January until 10am on Wednesday, 1 February 2023 is also in place.  

The whole Auckland region is advised to: 

• Keep up to date and be aware of the latest forecast at www.metservice.com/warnings 
• Do not travel unless necessary. Check road conditions if you do have to travel 
• Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. Act immediately if you see rising water – do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from flood water 
• Check www.aem.org.nz for updates and information. Listen to emergency services and self-evacuate if you feel unsafe 
• If life is in danger, call 111 immediately. 

Transport 

• Across the region there’s the potential for slips and floodwaters to disrupt travel and make some roads impassable. Aucklanders are urged to travel home early to avoid this evening’s heavy rain. 
• The severe and rapid flooding we saw on Friday shows just how important it is that people are not out travelling across our region unless absolutely necessary given the sort of weather we’re expecting to see tonight. 
• The status of our transport network continues to change as weather develops and repairs are made, so please check the Auckland Transport website before you travel for the latest information. 

 Civil Defence Centres are open 

• St Leonards Road School, 15 St Leonards Road, Kelston 
• Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17 
• Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park 

If people need to evacuate and seek shelter overnight, evacuation centres are open at 

• Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre in Mascot Ave, Mangere.
• Wellsford Community Centre
• Warkworth Town Hall
• Kumeu Community Centre

 Animals and pets 

• If you must bring pets to a Civil Defence Centre:  

• Dogs – must be on a leash and if possible muzzled. You may be asked to keep your dog in your car.
• Cats – in a cage if possible.  

• If your animal was injured as a result of the flooding, please have it checked out by your veterinarian. 
• Auckland Council Animal Shelters are also accepting dogs who need emergency accommodation. They are also offering free microchipping and registration. 
• Please call Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00 if you are unsure what you can do and need assistance.  

Waste collection 

• A waste collection project team is working on a solution to deal with the level of flood-damaged waste materials on private properties.  
• There is good information on getting rid of storm-related waste and local waste transfer stations on the Auckland Emergency Management website.  
• Normal household rubbish collections are one day later this week and next week due to public holidays.
• We’ve got high winds coming, so please secure anything on or near your property that might be a hazard. 
• If you do need to remove items to keep your home safe, secure or healthy – take before and after photos.
• All floodwater is contaminated so use gloves where you can, wash your hands, etc.  

Water supply 

• Watercare says tap water remains safe to drink. Watercare has increased sampling in the network and the results are compliant with drinking water standards. 
• Watercare still has tankers in west Auckland providing emergency water. The locations are being shared via WaterCare’s social media and website 
• People who are unable to access the tankers due to road slips are advised to reach out to Auckland Emergency Management for assistance on 0800 22 22 00. 

 Financial assistance 

• For welfare assistance you can contact the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100 about Civil Defence Payments. These can help with accommodation costs if you’re evacuated, loss of income because you can’t work due to the flooding, emergency food, clothing and bedding if yours has been damaged or destroyed by the flooding.  
• The Auckland Mayoral Relief Fund provides one-off financial support to individuals, community groups and marae in Auckland who have been affected by the January 2023 Auckland flooding and landslips.  
• If you have urgent food needs as a result of being displaced by the flooding, you can look for providers at familyservices.govt.nz/directory 
• The Auckland Emergency Management team is also available if you need support. They can be reached 0800 22 22 00. 

Emergency Mobile Alert 

Given the rainfall intensities expected are similar to those expected on Sunday, an Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) has been issued to the entire Auckland Region. The EMA has been issued to areas under both red and orange warnings heavy rain warnings as the whole region is at risk of flooding due to ground saturation. The issuing of this EMA should speak to the seriousness with which we want people to take the incoming weather. 

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10.30, Tuesday 31 January

Live update

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The next live update will be streamed live at 3pm on the Auckland Emergency Management Facebook page.

Focus on weather warnings and waste management

Overnight, we’ve had no reports of habitable floors being flooded. There were 126 requests for service – 47% of those were in the North, 45% were central, 7% in the South.

Severe weather warning extended

Last night, MetService extended the timing of the severe weather warnings we have in place, bringing the red warning forward.

• Red heavy rain warning: Auckland, north of Ōrewa, has a Red Heavy Rain warning from starting today at 4pm to tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7.00am. Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain about the ranges, with lesser amounts about the coast. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h, mainly about the ranges. But localised areas may see downpours of 25 to 40 mm/hr. Thunderstorms are also possible.
• Orange rain warning: Auckland, south of Ōrewa, and Great Barrier Island has an orange rain warning from 6pm today through to 9am tomorrow (Wednesday).
• Strong wind watch: From 2pm today through to 8am tomorrow, a strong wind watch is also in place which may lead to trees toppling.

This rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding.

Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities.

Waste management and clean up

The Auckland Emergency Management website www.aem.org.nz has information on waste collection options and is being updated regularly. The following summary is correct as of 9am.

• New Zealand Defence Force will be helping the clean up today.
• We now have nine facilities across the region that Aucklanders can access to dispose of storm damaged material free if they are unable to cover the cost of disposal. We are working with private operators to make eight more facilities available.
• 26 skip bins have been delivered to communities who have reached out to us with a need, with more suburbs being assessed.
• Please note skips may come and go quickly, connect with your community to get the latest information on locations. If your community needs a skip bin for disposing of storm damaged material, please contact 0800 22 22 00 to register the need in your area.
• Contractors have also been picking up waste from Browns Bay, Milford and Rānui. Approximately 16 truck loads have been sent to landfill from these areas. Contractors will be working in other parts of Auckland today based on need.
• To date, 58 tonnes of storm and flood waste has been dropped off at Waitakere Transfer Station.
• Please call 0800 22 22 00 before taking your storm damaged material to the Waitakere Transfer Station to ensure they don’t get overwhelmed. No hazardous material will be accepted; this requires specialist disposal methods.

Community support available

Three Civil Defence Centres are currently open, and we have the ability to stand up additional Civil Defence Centres if needed. 82 people stayed in Civil Defence Centres last night.

The locations of Civil Defence Centres are:

• St. Leonards Road School, 15 Saint Leonards Road, Kelston
• Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
• Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park

New location for Māngere pop-up information hub

The pop-up community and agency information hub location has changed to Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre, 66R Mascot Avenue, Māngere, Auckland. It is open from 8am – 8pm.

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre or phone us on 0800 22 22 00. Please bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.

Iwi liaisons are reaching out to all marae and iwi in the region to identify any unmet needs. Seven marae have been activated, and are providing support with accommodation and food.

How you can help

We appreciate people want to support those who have been flood affected. The best way to do this is to reach out to your local community groups to understand what they are hearing is needed from their communities and how best to get it to them.

Donated goods

Civil Defence Centres are unable to accept any more donated goods. We kindly ask the community to refrain from taking goods directly to Civil Defence Centres. We understand this seems like a good idea, but often the donations don’t match what the community needs, and they cannot be used. We are working with Civil Defence Centres to ensure they have the supplies they need. 

Transport

Auckland Transport is urging Aucklanders to take extreme care while travelling, and to consider whether the travel is necessary. Plan your full return journey while taking note of the weather reports.

Please check the Auckland Transport website throughout the day for regular updates on road closures and public transport as this weather system moves through. With the expected high winds, the Auckland Harbour Bridge has to potential to be closed.

Auckland Airport fully operational

The Airport is now fully operational, for both international and domestic flights. While the Auckland Domestic terminal is operating as usual, reduced capacity at the Auckland International terminal is impacting flights and passengers. Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Team continue to provide assistance at Auckland International Airport & the Civil Defence Centres.

Water supply update

Significant progress was made yesterday resolving water supply issues in west Auckland.

• The wider Titirangi area should be prepared for intermittent water supply issues over the coming days while damage as crews will need to turn off the water supply for short periods of time in localised areas as they fix the damage.
• Tankers are in west Auckland providing emergency water, with the locations being shared on the WaterCare website and social media.
• If you are unable to reach tankers, please call 0800 22 22 00 for assistance.

Building assessments

As of 8pm last night, our building assessment numbers are 78 red, 319 yellow, and 748 white placards.

Building assessments are being scaled up today, so these numbers are expected to change.

If you are concerned about your home or building and would like to request a building assessment, please call a 0800 22 22 00. Read more about what to expect from flood-damaged building inspections, including information on buildings with stickers and placards.

If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers.

• To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
• To report slips on private land contact the landowner, or if you are the landowner, your insurance company. 
• For landslides that might affect public land, contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. For landslides that might affect public roads, contact Auckland Transport on 09 355 3553.
• If your life is at risk, phone 111.
• If you need urgent accommodation assistance, phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
• For welfare assistance you can phone the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100.

17.30, Monday 30 January

Severe weather set to continue tomorrow

Upgraded weather warnings

• As of Monday afternoon, the current set of weather warnings have been upgraded to a Red Warning for Auckland north of Orewa from Tuesday 5pm to Wednesday 5am.

• Due to the multiple bursts of heavy rainfall experienced since Friday, the region is vulnerable to further rainfall due to ground saturation. This means that even ‘ordinary’ amounts of rainfall will quickly exacerbate existing slips, river levels, and produce further flooding quite quickly.

• In addition, this weather event has gale north-easterly winds associated with it, which are expected to cause significant treefall (onto roads and power lines) because of the sopping wet soils.

• Orange heavy rain warnings for Auckland south of Orewa and Great Barrier remain in force. Impacts are still expected in these areas.

• We urge people to take these warnings seriously, and reconsider the need to travel in the time the warnings are in place

• If you need to do works to better prepare your property for more rainfall, the recommendation is for Aucklanders to do this this early tomorrow to ensure your property is as well prepared for the expected weather.

Returning to school and work

• We have been advised due to the possibility of further weather damage leading to more disruption, the Secretary for Education has directed that schools, kura, early learning services and Tertiary institutions in the Auckland region (Wellsford to Pukekohe) must close for physical attendance and instruction until 7 February.

• Businesses should consider their operational requirements and make an informed decision working arrangements for staff. 

Building assessment update

• To date, 69 red, 300 yellow, and 720 white placards have been issued by building assessments teams

• For those who already have had their building assessed:          

• A red placard means re-entry is prohibited because the building is no longer safe or significantly compromised.

• A yellow placard mean assessors have concerns about the building’s performance and have restricted entry to part of the building or allow temporary use of the building.

• White placards means the property may have minor damage but is sufficiently safe and inhabitable.

• We have 130 assessors from Auckland Council, USAR and councils across the country. There are 65 teams of two or three working through the impacted areas. This is being scaled up significantly in coming days.

• If you are concerned about your home or building and would like to request a building assessment, please call a 0800 22 22 00.

• To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please phone us on 0800 22 22 00. 

• To report slips on private land contact the landowner, or if you are the landowner, your insurance company.  

• For landslides that might affect public land, contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. For landslides that might affect public roads, contact Auckland Transport on 09 355 3553. 

• If your life is at risk, phone 111. 

• If you need urgent accommodation assistance, phone us on 0800 22 22 00. 

• For welfare assistance you can phone the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100. 

Civil Defence Centres  

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre or phone us on 0800 22 22 00. 

• West: St Leonards Road School, 15 Saint Leonards Road, Kelston 

• North: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17 

• South: Mana Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park 

Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.  

Community info hub 

A pop-up community and agency information hub will be open at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge through to Friday and will run 8am – 8pm. 

Agencies and community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support, including accommodation if needed. 

Donating goods

We are receiving reports of generous people wanting to donate goods to our Civil Defence Centres. Our centres have what they need at the moment, so please connect with your local community groups and food banks who will be able tell you what items are needed and to get these to the right people.

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16:03, Monday 30 January

Live update

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15:30 Monday 30 January

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has announced three practical steps Auckland Council is taking to help Aucklanders with the big Auckland clean up.

15:58. Monday 30 January

Severe rain warning

MetService has issued a Severe Rain Warning – RED for Auckland, North of Orewa, from 5:00pm on Tuesday 31st January to 5:00am Wednesday 01st February.

MetService has also issues a Severe Rain Warning – ORANGE for Auckland, from Orewa Southwards, and Great Barrier Island from 6:00pm Tuesday 31st January until 6:00am Wednesday 01st February 2023.

See MetService for more information.

SITUATION

Heavy Rain Warning – RED

Region: Auckland, North Of Orewa

Period: 5:00pm Tuesday 31st January 2023 – 5:00am 01st February 2023

The rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding. Slips and floodwaters are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities. 

Heavy Rain Warning – ORANGE

Region: Auckland, Orewa Southwards  and Great Barrier Island

Period: 6:00pm Tuesday 31st January 2023 – 6:00am Wednesday 2023

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous. 

HEAVY RAIN WARNING RED AUCKLAND, NORTH OF OREWA

Expect 80 to 120 mm of rain about the ranges, with lesser amounts about the coast. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h, mainly about the ranges.

HEAVY RAIN WARNING ORANGED, AUCKLAND, OREWA SOUTHWARDS

Expect 50 to 80mm of rain, especially north of the Harbour Bridge. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h, but localised areas in the north may see downpours of 25 to 40 mm/h. Thunderstorms are possible. 

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15:13, Monday 30 January

Support for our communities is available

Rural support

We have reports of severe flooding and landslips impacting rural areas. We are working with MPI and Rural Brigades of Fire and Emergency New Zealand to reach out to others in the sector to understand rural impacts. We stand ready to help where we are needed. Information on support is available on the Our Auckland website.

Transport

• With more rain anticipated in Auckland over the next 48 hours we are expecting our roads and public transport to be under pressure, especially around peak travel times. For the latest information on road closures and public transport please check the AT website
• Landslips and flooding has closed multiple roads in the region, including sections of both routes north, SH1 and SH16. Access is being restored but is difficult to maintain due the ongoing weather and additional land slips
• Auckland Airport has advised they continue to experience delays and cancellations, which is impacting passengers already within the terminals. Support is being provided to Auckland Airport to assist them with the welfare requirements of stranded passengers.

Water safety

• Healthy Waters has advised that all Auckland beaches have been moved to “black” status on the SafeSwim website and are not recommended for swimming.
• Aucklanders are also being advised to avoid swimming at beaches due to possible contamination, and to follow the SafeSwim website to stay up to date.
• We have also received some reports of debris in coastal waters so care should be taken by anyone boating.

Return to school or work

• As we come towards the end of the long weekend, people are urged to think about what the severe weather warnings means for the return to school and work tomorrow.
• The situation remains volatile. We’re dealing with an active weather front and we’re looking at more heavy rain tomorrow and later in the week. We also have a compromised transport network with several road closures and additional rain is likely to exacerbate this.
• Businesses should consider their operational requirements and make an informed decision working arrangements for staff.
• Please check with school or educational facilities directly for their most up to date advice.

If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers. 

• If your life is at risk, phone 111. 
• To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please phone us on 0800 22 22 00. 
• To report slips on private land contact the landowner, or if you are the landowner, your insurance company.  
• For landslides that might affect public land, contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. For landslides that might affect public roads, contact Auckland Transport on 09 355 3553. 
• If you need urgent accommodation assistance, phone us on 0800 22 22 00. 
• For welfare assistance you can phone the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100. 

Civil Defence Centres  

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre or phone us on 0800 22 22 00. 

• West: St Leonards Road School, 15 St Leonards Road, Kelston 
• North: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17 
• South: Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park 

Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.  

Community info hub 

A pop-up community and agency information hub will be open at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge on Monday 30 January 2023, 8am – 8pm. 

Agencies and community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support, including accommodation if needed. 

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13:03, Monday 30 January

Live update

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12:01, Monday 30 January

You’ll see our building inspectors out and about assessing how homes and buildings have fared in recent floods.

For those who already have had their building assessed:

A red placard means re-entry is prohibited because the building is no longer safe or significantly compromised.

A yellow placard mean assessors have concerns about the building’s performance and have restricted entry to part of the building or allow temporary use of the building.

White placards means the property may have minor damage but is sufficiently safe and inhabitable.

If you are concerned about your home or building and would like to request a building assessment, please call a 0800 22 22 00.

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10:27, Monday 30 January

Heavy rainfall overnight leads to extensive surface flooding and further slips

Overnight we saw extensive surface flooding, recording up to 60mm of rain in the north.

We received 148 requests for flood-related issues, two of which were to do with house flooding. FENZ had 30 call outs overnight and there were a number of landslips recorded including a significant one in Titirangi, which damaged a car port. There are road closures as a result of the landslips.

An Emergency Mobile Alert ‘text’ was sent to mobile phones across Auckland last night. This was done due to the potential effects from a heavy rain and thunderstorm warning over the Auckland area.

Heavy rain warning

This morning, Metservice issued an updated Heavy Rain Warning, extending the Orange warning for Auckland and Great Barrier Island to 9.00am. Periods of heavy rain are also forecast for Tuesday. This has the potential for more disruption in the days ahead, on top of already saturated ground.

If rain rates of this intensity occur, further localised flooding and slip impacts are expected.

Check Auckland Emergency Management Facebook for regular updates.

Transport

If you need to travel: plan ahead. Check public transport options before you travel and expect longer journey times on the roads and public transport. For the latest information on road closures and public transport please check the AT website – at.govt.nz/weatherwatch.

The domestic terminal at the airport is operating as usual. The international terminal is operating manually due to IT and other equipment damage. Please only go to the international terminal if you have a flight.

Property
From the inspections made so far, 40 red placards, 151 yellow placards, and 366 white placards have been issued. These are located across the city and are a mixture of flooding and slip-related damage.

To report landslips, please call 09 301 0101.

Water

Water will be released from the Lower Nihotupu and Lower Huia dams this morning (Monday) to help improve water quality in the lakes.

Two water treatment plants are offline at Pukekohe and Helensville. This has no customer impact. Helensville will be up and running soon, and Pukekohe will be reassessed in the next two days. 

Sandbags have been placed around the booster pump station in New Lynn to push water north and protect it from flooding.

Rural Support

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Rural Brigades of Fire and Emergency New Zealand are working with our welfare team to reach out to the rural sector to understand impacts and needs of rural communities.

For requests for assistance with livestock, lifestyle blocks or feed phone Federated Farmers on 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646)

For animal welfare assistance, phone 0800 22 22 00 to log any concerns. MPI will follow up on animal welfare calls.

Ten pump stations were flooded. Six are up and running again, one is partially operating and three are offline (two on North Shore; one in Westmere). Due to pump and electrical damage, it will take at least a week for the pump stations to return to full operation.

We encourage people to stay away from beaches and waterways, as there is the potential for wastewater contamination.

Check the Safeswim website for beach water quality, including beaches with potential pollution issues.

Waste disposal

The disposal of waste is a growing issue and work is underway in Auckland Council to assist those that are unable to dispose of it themselves. Please call 0800 22 22 00 if you need advice on how to dispose storm debris.

If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers.

• To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
• To report slips on private land contact the landowner, or if you are the landowner, your insurance company.
• For landslips that might affect public land, contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. For landslides that might affect public roads, contact Auckland Transport on 09 355 3553.
• If your life is at risk, phone 111.
• If you need urgent accommodation assistance, phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
• For welfare assistance you can phone the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100.

Civil Defence Centres

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre or phone us on 0800 22 22 00.

• West: St Leonards Road School, 15 St Leonards Road, Kelston
• North: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
• South: Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park.

Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.

Community info hub

A pop-up community and agency information hub will be open at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge through to Friday 8am – 8pm.

Community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support, including accommodation if needed.

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08:00, Monday 30 January 2023

Live update

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19:30, Sunday 29 January 2023

Heavy Rain Warning

Auckland Emergency Management has issued an Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) to provide important safety messages ahead of the potential for extremely heavy rain to hit the Auckland region.

MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning due to an active line of thunderstorms currently sitting over the Hauraki Gulf. Between now and 7am tomorrow (Monday), this line of thunderstorms could produce localised downpours of 50-90mm of rainfall. The possibility of localised extreme downpours up to 150mm cannot be ruled out, with the larger totals likely north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Auckland Emergency Management Controller Mace Ward says, “Given recent rainfall, the ground is extremely saturated which changes how rainfall can affect the environment. The decision to issue this alert was made so people in the region can make the best decisions of how to remain safe, should this heavy rain eventuate.”

People in the area between Ōrewa/Waiwera and down to Papakura/Drury, from coast to coast including Aotea Great Barrier Island are advised to:

• Make sure you stay informed. Watch the forecast at metservice.com
• Avoid unnecessary travel. Check road conditions if you have to travel.
• Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. Act immediately if you see rising water – do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from flood water.
• Check aem.org.nz for updates and information. Listen to emergency services and self-evacuate if you feel unsafe.
• If life is in danger, call 111 immediately.

Any further updates will be posted to the Auckland Emergency Management social media channels.

EMAs are delivered to phones within reach of selected cell tower locations. Given the location of this system, most of the population of Auckland will have received this EMA, though some people outside the warning area may also receive the EMA. More information on how EMAs work, including troubleshooting, is available at getready.govt.nz/

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18:00, Sunday 29 January 2023

Heavy rain watch, getting around and an update from Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Heavy rain watch

• MetService has a severe thunderstorm watch in force for north Auckland tonight.
• Key to note is the risk of localised downpours, approximately 20-40 mm per hour north of Orewa from 7pm Sunday through to 6am Monday. Also, heavy rain and north-easterly gales return to Auckland on Wednesday.
• If rain rates of this intensity occur, localised flooding and slip impacts are expected.
• Put safety first and do not take any chances – it’s not over yet. 
• Check Auckland Emergency Management Facebook for regular updates.

Getting around Auckland

In severe weather, stay off the roads. If you need to travel, plan ahead, check public transport options before you travel and expect longer journey times on the roads and public transport.

• For the latest information on road closures and public transport please check the Auckland Transport website.
• For a list of services and facilities that have been affected before you undertake any travel please check the Auckland Council website
• There are a number of slips and areas of subsidence across the rail network which KiwiRail are working to resolve.
• Auckland Transport are expecting to be able to run trains on the Eastern, Western and Southern Lines from Tuesday but with reduced timetables.
• About 45 roads have had slips or flood damage and are currently closed or have reduced lanes.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand update

Fire and Emergency is working closely with Auckland Emergency Management and with Police and St John to bring additional crews and incident management personnel from other parts of the country to support our people.

This includes extra Urban Search and Rescue teams who are assisting Auckland Council with damage assessments.

Please DO continue to call 111 if:

• your life or property is threatened
• there is a fire
• people are trapped, in floodwater, by slips, or in vehicles
• people need our help to evacuate to safety.

We will still respond to other requests for help, while prioritising calls where life and safety is at risk.

If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers:

• To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
• To report slips contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. For landslides that might affect public roads, contact Auckland Transport on 09 355 3553.
• If your life is at risk, phone 111.
• If you need urgent accommodation assistance, phone us on 0800 22 22 00.
• For welfare assistance you can phone the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100.

Civil Defence Centres

Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre or phone us on 0800 22 22 00.

• West: St Leonards Road School, 15 St Leonards Road, Kelston
• North: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
• South: Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park

Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.

Community info hub

A pop-up community and agency information hub will be open at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge on Monday 30 January 2023, 8am – 8pm.

Agencies and community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support, including accommodation if needed.

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16:00 Sunday 29 January

Live update

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Previous updates

MIL OSI