Nearly all buildings impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle in Tāmaki Makaurau have now been assessed by our rapid building assessments team. Assessments continue today in Karekare after heavy rain at the weekend caused further slips.
“The team has completed the assessment of all known buildings and properties impacted by the cyclone event, excluding Karekare which we’re continuing to undertake today. This includes over 7000 known impacted buildings that residents have alerted us to,” says Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller Adam Maggs.
“We recognise that there are still properties that might not have been reported with significant damage or are not safe to access for an assessment. We encourage these homeowners and residents to contact us immediately so we can get our officers out to provide a rapid building assessment.
“The impacts of the January floods and then Cyclone Gabrielle has been devastating for many of our West Coast communities. Our geotechnical experts continue to monitor the stability of slopes in the affected areas using LiDAR surveys and drone models.
“This information will be used for further analysis and assessment to inform decisions around the on-going safety and usability of assessed buildings and be made available for individual homeowners to better understand the implications for their homes.”
Residents who have not had their properties assessed and have significant damage should contact our team and we will send an officer out to provide an assessment.
Residents who have not had their properties assessed with minor damage are advised to firstly contact their insurance company to begin this process.
Regional parks
Three regional parks have been reopened today with restrictions to some of the facilities due to damage from the severe weather events. For the most up to date information on closures and interruptions to facilities, visit the Auckland Council website.
Closed
- Muriwai Regional Park – closed till 1 April
- Waitākere Ranges Regional Park (Piha, Karekare, Bethells, Whatipu) - closed till 1 April
- Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park – closed till 10 March
Reopened today (with restrictions to facilities)
- Āitu Creek Regional Park – reopening 1 March
- Tāwharanui Regional Park – reopening 1 March
- Hunua Regional Park – reopening 1 March
Metservice forecast (Wednesday 1 March)
The latest update from MetService forecasts isolated showers in the afternoon and evening, generally light with very localised moderate rain possible (4-8 millimeters per hour).
Security
Police are continuing to maintain high visibility patrolling and undertaking reassurance patrols in areas of West Auckland affected by the recent severe weather events, particularly where homes have been issued red or yellow placards.
They are also asking residents who remain in those impacted areas to continue being vigilant and to report anything untoward by calling Police. The sooner an incident is reported to Police, the soon they can investigate and hold those responsible to account.
Police will take action if notified of anyone taking advantage of people who have already suffered hardship as a result of these events.
Building assessments update
In just over three weeks, nearly 7000 building assessments have been completed throughout Tāmaki Makaurau from both severe weather events.
As of 10am, 27 February, our rapid building assessment figures for the Cyclone Gabrielle event are:
Cyclone Gabrielle
- Red – 224
- Yellow – 323
- White – 977
There have also been homes assessed that have not required a placard.
More information on what to expect from flood-damage building inspections can be found on OurAuckland.
You can also call us on 0800 22 22 00 or email RBAcomms@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
Printed information is also available at these libraries:
- Albany Village Library
- Birkenhead Library
- Blockhouse Bay Library
- Epsom Library
- Glen Eden Library
- Glenfield Library
- Kumeu Library
- Mt Roskill Library
- Northcote Library
- New Lynn War Memorial Library
- Rānui Library
- Remuera Library
- Pukekohe Library
- Te Manawa Library & Community Hub
- Waiuku Library
Civil Defence Centres and Temporary Accommodation
Our Civil Defence Centre are now closed.
Those affected by the Auckland weather events who have a current, or expected future need for temporary accommodation, are encouraged to register with MBIE now by visiting the Temporary Accommodation Service website or calling the government help line on 0508 754 163.
New Zealand Claims Resolution Service
The New Zealand Claims Resolution Service (NZCRS) has been launched to provide expert support to homeowners with insurance claims after natural disasters to avoid disputes, resolve issues, and ensure claims are settled in a timely manner.
Homeowners who are impacted by the January floods and Cyclone Gabrielle are advised to talk with their insurer in the first instance. If they have concerns about their claim or are unsure about the process, they can contact NZCRS on 0508 624 327, email contact@nzcrs.govt.nz, or visit www.nzcrs.govt.nz.
Stay away from the West Coast
Auckland Transport continues to urge Aucklanders to avoid traveling to communities with significant road closures still in place. Access to Karekare, Piha, Te Henga Bethells Beach, Muriwai, Anawhata, Huia, Little Huia and Whatipū remains compromised.
Vehicle access to Muriwai Beach is also closed, with no access at Wilson Road and Coast Road.
Please continue to stay away from these areas and expect to be turned away if you are not a resident.
