Cyclone Gabrielle: What to do if floodwaters hit your house
The cyclone is forecast to start hitting Northland at 1am Sunday, with the full effects likely to be felt on Monday and Tuesday. There are weather warnings in place for Northland, Auckland including Great Barrier Island, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty.
Experts say the cyclone is said to be one of the worst storms expected to hit this century and has now intensified into a "severe category three".
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown urged Aucklanders last week to prepare for the next big weather event, bringing torrential rain and risk of flooding.
"The direct path of Cyclone Gabrielle is uncertain at this stage, and while we are hoping for the best, we must all be prepared for the worst," Mayor Brown said.
Auckland Emergency Management's Deputy Controller Rachel Kelleher said her team is working with the Mayor's Office and Auckland council to ensure the region is prepared for what Cyclone Gabrielle could bring.
"Our key message for the community is to use the next few days to get ready for what could be another significant event," she said.
Kelleher said Auckland Emergency Management is preparing to open a number of additional Civil Defence Centres across the region for people needing to evacuate.
FENZ Auckland City District manager Vaughan Mackereth's told AM's Ryan Bridge on Friday morning that if you are in your home and see flood waters enter your property to call Civil Defence and report that your property is flooding as soon as possible.
"If your life is in danger, or there is a landslide happening on your property or above you, call 111," he said.
Mackereth also reminded people to stay off the roads, as it reduces the risk of being trapped by flooding or hit by a falling tree.
With a new cyclone on the way, emergency flooding is a serious possibility for anyone no matter the circumstances.
The best way to stay safe during flooding is to be prepared on what you should be doing if it happens in your household, how to keep safe, and where to go during the crisis.
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Here's a guide on what to do when your house begins to flood:
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Rising Floodwaters
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Put safety first, don't do anything reckless or dangerous
Act quickly, and grab important emergency items
Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities
Self-evacuate if you feel unsafe
Lift curtains, rugs and bedding off the floor
Check on neighbours if it is safe to do so
Home Evacuation
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Once people in your household have safely evacuated the premises, call for help.
Your focus during an evacuation should be on you and your loved ones rather than the damage to the house
Turn all electricity and power off
Ensure that no one is still inside when evacuating the property
If anyone is injured or needs help, call 111 to get the recovery process underway
Keep up to date with evacuation sites on Auckland Emergency Management.
What to take with you
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A bag to put items in
Phone + Phone Charger
Non Perishable food
Warm clothing
A pair of shoes
Rain Jacket
Bottle of water
Other people from your household
Any important medication
Baby/Pet food
Note: You may want to have this bag already prepared ahead of time
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Moving through Floodwaters
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Never try to walk, swim or drive through floodwater. Many flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water.
Don't drive through floodwaters
Be cautious of hidden objects if walking through floodwaters
Don't swim as there are potential health risks linked with contaminated water
If possible, stay inside until it is safe to leave
Who to contact
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111 Police, Fire and Ambulance
Phone 0800 22 22 00 for urgent flooding issues and assistance.
105 for non-emergencies
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It is important to keep up to date with the latest on Cyclone Gabrielle through MetService forecasts as parts or all of these Watches may be upgraded to Warnings, and further areas will likely be added.
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Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.5% Yes
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14.8% No
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2.8% Other - I'll share below
The Story of Tahu and the Sacred Visitor - Day 10
In a small kāinga (village) nestled by the ngahere (forest), lived an elderly woman named Tahu. She was a simple kuia (elder), devoted to the atua and known for her aroha (love and compassion). Though she lived humbly, Tahu’s heart was rich with kindness and her hands were always busy caring for others in her community.
One night, Tahu had a vision during her karakia (prayers). The atua spoke to her, saying that a great rangatira (chief) on a sacred journey would one day visit her home. This visitor would be a symbol of mana (prestige) and the spirit of aroha. Tahu woke with a sense of purpose and spent her days preparing for this rangatira’s arrival.
She tidied her whare (home) and tended to her māra (garden), ensuring everything was in perfect condition. Each day, she gathered the freshest kumara and sweetest berries from the ngahere, tasting them carefully to ensure they were fit for her guest. Although her people sometimes laughed at her efforts, saying, “Tahu, why prepare so much for someone who might never come?” she remained steadfast in her devotion.
One day, the great rangatira, Tāwhirimātea, arrived at her humble whare with his companion. Tahu’s heart swelled with joy as she welcomed them, offering water and the food she had so carefully prepared.
However, one of Tāwhirimātea’s companions noticed Tahu tasting the berries before offering them. He frowned and whispered, “It is disrespectful to offer food that has already been tasted.”
But Tāwhirimātea smiled and replied, “You judge her actions, but I understand her intentions. Tahu is not tasting out of disrespect—she is ensuring that only the sweetest and best berries are served. It is her aroha that makes this kai truly sacred.” He ate the berries with gratitude, blessing Tahu for her kindness.
The atua smiled upon Tahu, and the mana of her aroha inspired her whānau to live with the same compassion and care for others.
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Moral of the Story
This story teaches that acts of aroha (love and compassion), no matter how humble, hold the greatest mana. True kindness is not measured by wealth or grandeur but by the heart and intention behind our actions. Like Tahu, we are reminded to serve others with sincerity and respect, knowing that aroha strengthens the bonds of whānau and community.
Riddle Alert! Who’s Up for Some Brain-Busting Fun?
4-letter word, always done tomorrow,
We’re out of tea, the ultimate sorrow!
Without the eye, you owe me some money,
No sugar no nectar no sweetness no honey,
4-letter word, if by chance you choose,
You can never win, you can only lose!
What is the 4-letter word?
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