Auckland Emergency Management is transitioning from response to recovery as National States of Emergency have ended for some regions, including Auckland.
“We are working hard to ensure that this period of transition from emergency response to recovery is as seamless as possible,” says Auckland Council Deputy Recovery Manager Mace Ward.
“It will empower our Civil Defence teams to focus on clearing roads and disposing of dangerous materials. Once that is undertaken and those damaged areas are made safe, remedial work like restoring access to cut-off properties and other repairs to infrastructure can begin.
“Impacted communities will still be our priority to support during this transition. And operations to provide essential supplies like food, water, and fuel will continue in the recovery phase.
“We will still have support available to anyone in the community that has been impacted from the severe weather events. We’ll be on hand to keep supporting those vulnerable communities.
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.
Resident vehicle permits for cordon at Piha / Anawhata Roads
AEM staff will be at the Piha Surf Club between 9am-5pm this weekend 4/5 March to issue resident’s vehicle permits for access through the Piha / Anawhata Road cordon.
The permit will not provide any access to any other cordons in the area and are strictly for residents of Karekare and Piha.
Residents should bring proof of address, such as a utility bill, rates notice or similar, and photo ID such as a driver’s licence or Passport to register.
Karekare residents who have vehicles outside of Lone Kauri Road can also come to register for a pass, but they must not drive over Lone Kauri Road to do so. This road remains closed with no access available.
Regional parks
Please note which parks are open and closed for the weekend. For the most up to date information on closures and interruptions to facilities, you can 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 (with restrictions to facilities)
- Āitu Creek Regional Park – 1 March
- Tāwharanui Regional Park – 1 March
- Hunua Regional Park – reopening 1 March
Skywork Helicopters
Skywork Helicopters have been contracted to provide aerial charter and lifting support services, assisting with the transport of food, water, and other essential supplies into communities impacted by the severe weather events.
Operations will be based at 135 Awaroa Road, Kelston, and are being directed by Auckland Emergency Management.
Their operating schedule will be carried out over several days from 3 March to 2 April between the hours of 7am and 7pm and weather dependent.
Appropriate buffer zones will be maintained with any adjacent neighbouring boundaries. No houses or members of public will be put at any risk during this operation, however residents and members of public are advised to stay clear of the area as instructed by emergency response staff and Skywork personnel.
Further information can be requested on 09 422 7018 or by email skywork@skyworkhelicopters.com.
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, 3 March, our rapid building assessment figures for the Cyclone Gabrielle event are:
Cyclone Gabrielle
- Red – 227
- Yellow – 335
- White – 997
There have also been homes assessed that have not required a placard.
More information on what to expect from flood-damaged buildings 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
Temporary Accommodation Services
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 limited to residents only, 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 or emergency response staff.
