Saturday 28 January 2023
The declaration of state of local emergency comes into force immediately and expires in seven days.
The Auckland region has experienced widespread damage from flooding and torrential rain, with reports of slips and inundation. Infrastructure and emergency services alike have been overwhelmed by the impacts of the storm.
View latest updatesAuckland Emergency Management has tonight 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.
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 https://www.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 https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.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 on the Get Ready website.
Civil Defence Centres open
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: 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: Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park
Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.
Heavy rain watch
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.
If you need help
We are anticipating further rainfall so please keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Water supply update
Wastewater network update
If you have been directly affected by the Auckland floods and you are on a benefit or low income, call Work and Income on 0800 400 100.
Further information about support available from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) can be found on the Work and Income website www.workandincome.govt.nz.
If you have urgent needs as a result of being displaced by the flood, you can look for providers on www.familyservices.govt.nz.
Many roads have reopened but there is still damage and some closures around the region. As the situation continues to evolve, Auckland Emergency Management advises that people keep up to date with the latest travel advice by following Auckland Transport on Twitter @AT_TravelAlerts and by checking the Waka Kotahi website.
If your animal is still left in your house please contact Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00 for assistance.
If you are unable to return to your house and you have a pet that you cannot take with you to temporary accommodation please call us.
If your animal was injured as a result of the flooding please have it checked out by your veterinarian.
Any scheduled kerbside collections will continue unless a specific area is informed of cancellation.
Storm debris and green waste
Phone ahead – You will need to provide your name, address and vehicle registration to make the process easy at the gate. There is no cost for the disposal of storm debris.
Building waste
If you don’t have insurance or a way of getting to a transfer station, phone us on 0800 22 22 00 so we can look at the best option to help you. Please don’t dispose of waste by illegal dumping. You can report illegal dumping to the council on 0800 NO DUMP.
A pop-up community and agency information hub will be at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge. Agencies and community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support, including accommodation if needed.
It is important to clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous materials which can contaminate your home.
Auckland Emergency Management has tonight 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:
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 on the Get Ready website.
Heavy rain watch
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
“Of significant interest to us all today is the weather situation over the coming days. More rain today may cause further issues with our recovery.
“We are continuing to work closely with our response partners and utilsing our Auckland Council teams to provide support to communities and respond to issues on the ground,” says Auckland Emergency Management duty controller Rachel Kelleher.
MetService have a severe thunderstorm watch in force for north Auckland tonight and overnight.
Key to note is the risk of localised downpours north of Orewa tonight and overnight (7pm Sunday – 6am Monday). Also, heavy rain and northeasterly gales return to Auckland on Wednesday.
Put safety first and do not take any chances – it’s not over yet.
If you need to travel, be sure to check road conditions before you go. If you’re cleaning storm debris this afternoon, keep an eye on the weather and don’t take unnecessary risks. Stay up to date at www.metservice.com.
Building Assessment Update
Power
Water supply update
Wastewater network update
If you need help
If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers.
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.
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 at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge. Agencies and community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support, including accommodation if needed.
Heavy rain watch for today
Building inspections
Cleaning up after a flood
If you need help
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.
Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.
New community info hub opens in Māngere
A pop-up community and agency information hub will be at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge from today Sunday 29 January 2023, 11am – 3pm. Agencies and community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support, including accommodation if needed.
After less rain today, Auckland Emergency Management is reminding Aucklanders that more wet weather is anticipated over the long weekend, and to stay safe.
Auckland Emergency Management duty controller Rachel Kelleher says the clean-up around the region is underway, with Civil Defence Centres and our welfare team supporting Aucklanders needing assistance.
“This has been an incredibly challenging 24 hours for our communities and recovery will take some time,” she says.
“We want people to keep themselves safe, keep an eye on upcoming weather reports and to stay home if it is safe to do so. MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for Auckland and Aotea Great Barrier Island which is valid for Sunday.
“Roads and infrastructure around the region have been impacted and are being assessed as quickly as possible; Auckland Council’s building inspection teams are on the ground scoping the damage to people’s properties,” she says.
“Overnight our advice remains the same, please stay at home if it is safe to do so and avoid any unnecessary travel. If you do need to evacuate, please do not drive through floodwaters and remember to take essential items with you.”
New community info hub opens in Māngere
A pop-up community and agency information hub will be at the Māngere Memorial Hall, 23 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge from tomorrow Sunday 29 January 2023, 11 – 3pm. Agencies and community groups, alongside Auckland Emergency Management, will be there to provide needs assessments and offer support.
New rhythm for daily updates
Tomorrow Auckland Emergency Management starts a new rhythm for its daily updates. On Sunday 29 and Monday 30 January, updates will be given at 8am, 1pm and 4pm. We will share a summary of each update on our social media channels (twitter.com/aucklandcdem and facebook.com/aklcdem) too.
If you need help
If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers.
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.
Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.
Financial assistance
If you have been directly affected by the Auckland floods and you are on a benefit or low income, call Work and Income on 0800 400 100.
Further information about support available from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) can be found on the Work and Income website www.workandincome.govt.nz.
If you have urgent needs as a result of being displaced by the flood, you can look for providers on www.familyservices.govt.nz.
Animals and pets
If your animal is still left in your house please contact Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00 for assistance.
If you are unable to return to your house and you have a pet that you cannot take with you to temporary accommodation please call us.
If your animal was injured as a result of the flooding please have it checked out by your veterinarian.
Rubbish and waste
Any scheduled kerbside collections will continue unless a specific area is informed of cancellation.
Storm debris and green waste
Phone ahead – You will need to provide your name, address and vehicle registration to make the process easy at the gate. There is no cost for the disposal of storm debris.
Building waste
If you don’t have insurance or a way of getting to a transfer station, phone us on 0800 22 22 00 so we can look at the best option to help you. Please don’t dispose of waste by illegal dumping. You can report illegal dumping to the council on 0800 NO DUMP.
Auckland Council services
Auckland Council is regularly updating its website with details on any interruptions to services or facilities closures. Find out more here.
Water
Watercare is providing regular updates of impacts to the water and wastewater network on its website.
Water from the tap is safe to drink.
Watercare is prioritising overflows that are damaging private property. Most of the clean-up activity will need to occur when the rain stops.
Many beaches around the region have been impacted by wastewater overflows, and swimming is not advised. Check Safeswim for water quality information.
Rapid building assessments
Auckland Council’s building inspectors are on the ground conducting impact assessments across the region. This is to understand the scope and scale of any damage, and for us to prioritise rapid building assessments. This will take time.
Transport
Many roads have reopened but there is still damage and some closures around the region. Keep up to date with the latest travel advice by following Auckland Transport on Twitter @AT_TravelAlerts, visiting its website for detailed information on road closures and service disruptions and by checking the Waka Kotahi website.
Cleaning up after a flood
It is important to clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous materials which can contaminate your home.
Clean up begins around storm damaged region
Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller Andrew Clark says clean up is underway following the impact of Auckland’s wettest day on record.
“Auckland Emergency Management and Auckland Council is getting a picture of the sheer scale of the impact after yesterday’s storm.
“Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the New Zealand Police have responded to over 2000 call outs, which included people trapped in homes and cars as a result of the flooding.
“Landslips and flooding have closed multiple roads in the region, including sections of both routes north, SH1 and SH16. Up to 265mm of rain fell in some areas.”
Civil Defence Centres are open in Kelston, Albany and Randwick Park, offering respite and support and community-led centres have opened up across the region and are being promoted locally. Around 70 people have visited the Civil Defence Centres since they opened yesterday.
A civil defence emergency was declared yesterday and remains in place.
“We are encouraging people to stay safe, check in on whānau and friends and look after each other.”
If you need help
If you were affected by the floods and need information, advice or support, you can contact the following service providers.
Civil Defence Centres (28 January 2023)
Those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau can go to a Civil Defence Centre.
Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.
Financial assistance
If you have been directly affected by the Auckland floods and you are on a benefit or low income, call Work and Income on 0800 400 100.
Further information about support available from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) can be found on the Work and Income website www.workandincome.govt.nz.
If you have urgent needs as a result of being displaced by the flood, you can look for providers on www.familyservices.govt.nz.
Rubbish and waste
Any scheduled kerbside collections will continue unless a specific area is informed of cancellation.
Water
Watercare is providing regular updates of impacts to the water and wastewater network on its website.
Water from the tap is safe to drink.
Watercare is prioritising overflows that are damaging private property. Most of the clean-up activity will need to occur when the rain stops, as this is when the overflows will stop flowing.
Many beaches around the region have been impacted by wastewater overflows, and swimming is not advised. Check Safeswim for water quality information.
Rapid building assessments
Auckland Council’s building inspectors are on the ground conducting impact assessments across the region. This is to understand the scope and scale of any damage, and for us to prioritise rapid building assessments. This will take time.
Transport
Many roads have reopened but there is still damage and some closures around the region. Keep up to date with the latest travel advice by following Auckland Transport on Twitter @AT_TravelAlerts and by checking the Waka Kotahi website.
Civil Defence Centres
Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.
Cleaning up after a flood
It is important to clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous materials which can contaminate your home.
Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller Andrew Clark says Saturday morning and daylight reveals the first true understanding of the impact of yesterday’s storm.
“Auckland was clobbered on Friday – Auckland’s wettest day on record – and today we start the clean-up.
“We won’t start to get a good idea of numbers affected until later today and, even then, this will take time, with information still coming in and many assessments to complete,” says Andrew.
“We understand Aucklanders will be anxious to return to their homes to survey the damage, but we urge them to do so with caution.
“Please do not drive through floodwaters and remember hazards and debris could lurk beneath the surface, and floodwaters may be contaminated.
“If your property has been damaged, please take pictures for your insurance company and contact them as soon as you can,” he says.
Civil Defence Centres are open in Kelston, Albany and Randwick Park, offering respite and support and community-led centres have opened up across the region and are being promoted locally.
Civil Defence Centres
Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.
If you need help
Water supply and wastewater network
Watercare’s water treatment plants are operating and your water is safe to drink.
Residents living in Titirangi, Woodlands Park, Oratia, Greenbay, Waima and elevated sections of Scenic Drive are likely to have no water or low water pressure for at least the next 48 hours.
A 30-metre-long section of water pipe that ran along Scenic Drive in Titirangi was washed away with the road due to a landslide. It will be challenging to repair due to the extent of the damage and access to the site.
Watercare is sending out water tankers to the area. Customers will be able to fill up their water bottles from the tankers.
Residents on the North Shore are asked to reduce their water use. Please keep your showers short and do not use your washing machines. This is to reduce the volume of wastewater leaving your properties.
A wastewater pump station on Wairau Road that serves several suburbs on the North Shore has been flooded. This means the pump station is overflowing into a nearby waterway.
The wastewater networks and treatment plants have been overwhelmed by stormwater, causing numerous overflows across Auckland.
Watercare is prioritising overflows that are damaging private property. Most of the clean-up activity will need to occur when the rain stops, as this is when the overflows will stop flowing.
For more information, visit Watercare’s dedicated information page.
Cleaning up after a flood
It is important to clean and dry your house and everything in it. Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous materials which can contaminate your home.
The Civil Defence Centre that had opened at the North Shore Events Centre has been moved to Massey University’s Albany Campus.
Those who are displaced or need assistance can access the centre via the main entrance at Gate 1. It is located at Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17.
Security will be on-site at the North Shore Events Centre to redirect anyone needing assistance.
Important information for Saturday morning
“With daybreak will come a greater understanding of the impacts of this event,” says Auckland Emergency Management Duty Controller Andrew Clark.
“We understand Aucklanders will be anxious to return to their homes to survey the damage, but we urge them to do so with caution.
“Please do not drive through floodwaters and remember hazards and debris could lurk beneath the surface, and floodwaters may be contaminated.
“If your property has been damaged, please take pictures for your insurance company and contact them as soon as you can.”
Civil Defence Centres
Bring with you any essential items you may need, e.g. medication, warm clothing, and baby items.
Auckland Emergency Management has opened two further Civil Defence Centres to assist those that have been displaced or need assistance following the recent severe weather – one on the North Shore and one in the South.
1. Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park
2. North Shore Events Centre (Eventfinda Stadium) at 17 Silverfield, Wairau Valley
(Update at 03:20- North Shore Civil Defence Centre moves to Massey University’s Albany Campus)
New location: Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Walters Lecture Theatre, Massey University East Precinct, Albany Expressway SH17
Auckland Emergency Management’s Duty Controller Andrew Clark says this has been a fast-evolving and far-reaching event.
“The flooding we have seen has been widespread and our first responders are working hard to urgently get to those who need assistance.
“We now have three Civil Defence Centres open for those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau – one in the west, one in the north and another in the south.
“If you do need to evacuate, please take care and remember to bring essential items with you, such as warm clothes, medicines and baby items.
“Please remember to never drive through floodwaters.
“If you are in immediate danger, please call 111 – but please only do so in an emergency so that those in trouble can be prioritised.”
Mayor Wayne Brown has tonight declared a state of local emergency in the Auckland region.
“This declaration reflects the extent of damage, displacement and disruption caused by this evening’s severe weather event and enables emergency services and response agencies to draw on resources, and enact additional powers, to assist affected Aucklanders,” says Mayor Brown.
The region has experienced widespread damage from flooding and torrential rain, with reports of slips and inundation. Infrastructure and emergency services alike have been overwhelmed by the impacts of the storm.
The declaration of state of local emergency comes into force immediately and expires in seven days.
Mayor Brown has been closely monitoring the situation in his office all evening and has received continuous updates on the situation from Auckland Emergency Management, including the Duty Controller and his team. The declaration was signed immediately following formal advice from the Duty Controller of Auckland Emergency Management that it was required.
Mayor Brown is urging residents affected by flooding to stay safe and take advice from emergency responders.
“We want to make sure that all residents are kept informed, and emergency services are able to reach those who are most vulnerable and at risk as quickly as possible. Do not put yourself at risk,” he says.
Location: Saint Leonard’s Road School, 15 St. Leonard’s Road, Kelston
Auckland Emergency Management has opened a Civil Defence Centre to assist those that have been displaced or need assistance following today’s severe weather.
The centre is open now and is based at Saint Leonards Road School, 15 St. Leonards Road, Kelston.
Auckland Emergency Management’s Duty Controller Andrew Clark says the region is expecting the severe weather to continue until the early hours of tomorrow.
“There are reports that some parts of the region have experienced a summer’s worth of rain in a few hours and that has resulted in significant flooding.
“We continue to urge people to be vigilant and keep an eye on the weather forecast and your property.
“If it is safe to stay home, please do so. If you need to evacuate and can stay with family and friends, please do so in the first instance.
“If you have nowhere to go or are in need of assistance, we have established a Civil Defence Centre at Kelston.
“Please remember to never drive through floodwaters.
“If you do need to evacuate, please take essential items, like medicines, with you.”
Auckland Emergency Management has activated its Emergency Coordination Centre and is prepared to support Auckland’s Emergency Services if needed, following periods of intense rain today.
Auckland Emergency Management’s Duty Controller Andrew Clark says it is an evolving situation and that they are working with partner agencies to monitor the situation on the ground and to establish what assistance is required.
“Auckland has experienced significant rainfall today and we are hearing reports of flooding in some parts of the region.
“We are urging people to be vigilant and if you live in a flood prone area, be prepared to evacuate.
“If it is safe to do so, stay home but if your life or property is in danger, please call 111 immediately.”
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is urging residents affected by flooding to stay safe and take advice from emergency responders.
“We want to make sure that all residents are kept informed, and emergency services are able to reach those who are most vulnerable and at risk as quickly as possible. Do not put yourself at risk,” said Mayor Brown.