Civil Defence

School's back in Auckland this week but for hundreds of families and some businesses forced out of homes and buildings due to flooding, it is far from a return to normal.

Thames-Coromandel mayor Len Salt says his decision to call a pre-emptive declaration of emergency was on based on concern for vulnerable communities.

Waka Kotahi cannot say yet if the main road from Thames to Tairua on the Coromandel peninsula will be fixed by the end of the year. Audio

A review of land-use in Tairāwhiti looks likely following a meeting at Gisborne District Council yesterday, but there is some confusion about what exactly was settled behind closed doors.

For many, returning to their trashed homes is not an option and they were wondering - where to next?

The cost of rents is set to go up because remedial work to flood-damaged properties will affect supply and demand in the market, an investors body says. Audio

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown is promising "better" communication than Friday ahead of tonight's forecast bad weather.

A warning alert has gone out to Coromandel Peninsula residents, asking them to prepare of the next bout of weather, and to move away from unstable land. Audio

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says there were hiccups in the response to the unprecedented weather, but pointed to the Civil Defence duty controller as being the one "in charge". Audio

A state of emergency was declared to deal with the unprecedented flooding in Auckland. But what is a state of emergency and what powers does it grant?

The Minister for Emergency Management has asked for communication support to be stepped up and Auckland mayor defends his own response to the emergency. Audio

A new lake formed by a landslide in the Waiorongomai Valley is being closely watched ahead of expected heavy rain, which is seeing Tairāwhiti's state of emergency extended. Audio

The local civil defence manager says some families are pondering whether to remain in the area as they deal with the aftermath of last week's Cyclone Hale. Audio