National State of Emergency
Regional updates for February 15th, see the live Stuff updates.
14th February - 10:45am Update: National State of Emergency
Minister for Emergency Management, Kieran McAnulty, has confirmed a National State of Emergency this morning due to the widespread damage across the country due to Cyclone Gabrielle.
While many regions have already declared a local state of emergency, a National State of Emergency gives the National Controller legal authority to apply resources across the country in support of a national level response.
Here's what you need to know:
- Heavy rain red warnings are in place for Northland and Hawke's Bay, with red strong wind warnings also for Northland, Coromandel and Taranaki. Check all weather warnings on the MetService website.
- States of emergency have been declared in Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Ōpōtiki, Thames-Coromandel District, Waikato District, Hauraki District, Whakatāne District, Bay of Plenty, Napier and Hastings.
- There has been a landslide in Murawai with one firefighter missing.
- Gisborne is feared cut off and the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Residents are to take note of the Welfare Centres for Gisborne and Coromandel.
- A number of road closures are in place across the North Island. View these on the Waka Kotahi NZTA website.
- Fire and Emergency is urging people to only call 111 if life or safety is at risk after a surge in calls.
- In Auckland there are 27 shelters and civil defence centres where people can go in an emergency.
Stuff are posting live updates and have shared what you need in your 3-day emergency kit. Stay up to date with Civil Defence updates and track the storm here.
2pm Update for Hawke's Bay:
Multiple evacuations needed in Puketapu, Esk Valley, Rissington, Omahu, Waiohiki, Jervoistown and Meeanee and Waipawa.
Many remain trapped in cars and houses. Several bridges have been taken out with access between Hastings and Napier now cutoff. More than 20,000 people are without power and cellphone communication in and out of the region is patchy.
Omahu residents needing shelter can go to Hastings Sports' Centre. Taradale residents can head to St Joseph's Māori Girls' School.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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60% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Poll: Are you a Te Huia fan?
All three Hamilton MPs appear to be united behind the retention of the Te Huia passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland, as well as potentially expanding it to Tauranga.
But whether Hamilton East’s Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton West’s Tama Potaka and soon-to-be Labour list MP Georgie Dansey have the combined power to shunt transport minister Chris Bishop and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon onto their line of thinking remains to be seen.
Are you a Te Huia fan? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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82.7% Yes
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17.3% No
Wild weather in the Waikato
The Waikato really copped it over the weekend, with wild weather leaving a hefty clean-up bill that may run into the millions.
While things are looking calmer in the days ahead, there are still plenty of slips and flooded roads across the district — so if you’re heading out, take it easy and stay alert.
We want to know: How did you and your whānau get on over the weekend?
Want to see what recovery will look like from here? The Waikato Times has the latest.
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