Message from

the Chief Executive

Kia ora koutou

We are aware that there are people in our communities who have been impacted by the flooding in Auckland and need support. There are a range of government agencies working on the ground who are willing and able to help. Even if you have already requested help, you are welcome to ask for more support if you need it. The Ministry for Social Development 0800 400 100 is open and available for support from 8am-5pm Monday to Friday.

If you need clarification or further support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your contact at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.

For more detailed information on what support is available and where you can get help, read the latest Auckland floods All of Government factsheet: Auckland severe weather - What support is available and where can you get help » National Emergency Management Agency (civildefence.govt.nz). Important information from the factsheet is also provided below.

We appreciate our communities’ language needs. This document is currently being translated into other languages and we are aiming to translation versions of this document from tomorrow onwards.

Red heavy rain warnings are in place for Northland, Auckland north of Orewa, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau. We urge you to take care and to follow official advice.

The following is some information you may find helpful.

For the latest information:

Follow Auckland Emergency Management on Facebook for regular updates: Auckland Emergency Management | Auckland | Facebook or visit their website: Auckland Emergency Management | Auckland Emergency Management
Follow Civil Defence Northland’s Facebook page for updates about the Northland region: Civil Defence Northland | Whangarei | Facebook
Follow Ministry for Ethnic Communities Facebook page for regular updates: Ministry for Ethnic Communities | Wellington | Facebook and sign up to our newsletter: Get the latest from Ministry for Ethnic Communities (confirmsubscription.com)
Keep up with the latest travel advice from Auckland Transport via their Twitter account @AT_TravelAlerts or the Waka Kotahi website.
For weather updates, follow MetService on Facebook: MetService New Zealand | Wellington | Facebook or check out their website: MetService - Te Ratonga Tirorangi

The situation

Red heavy rain warnings are in place for Northland, Auckland north of Orewa, Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau
Orange heavy rain warnings are also in force for the rest of the Auckland region, Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne
Civil Defence Northland declared a state of emergency on Tuesday afternoon
Auckland Emergency Management declared a state of local emergency on Friday night (27 January). This will expire on Friday night (3 February)
Auckland had its wettest day on record on Friday, and many areas in the region were impacted by severe flooding
Some properties have been badly damaged, and some people have not been able to stay in their homes. Four people sadly died in the flooding
A range of agencies are working on the ground to provide support to those affected by the flooding

Emergency Accommodation

Auckland Emergency Management has opened three Civil Defence Centres for those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whānau:

Saint Leonard’s Road School, 15 St. Leonard’s Road, Kelston
Massey University Albany Campus, Sir Neil Waters Theatre, Gate 1/Main Entrance (off Albany Expressway), Albany
Manu Tukutuku, 32 Riverton Drive, Randwick Park

Please note, these locations may change, so for the latest information refer to this link: Auckland Emergency Management.
Please bring with you any essential items you may need including medication, warm clothing and baby items.
Government staff are available at the Civil Defence Centre to assist you.

Community hub

Auckland Emergency Management has opened a community hub. This was initially set up at Mangere Memorial Hall, but has relocated to:

Moana Nui a Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre
66R Mascot Avenue
Māngere
Auckland.

Hours: 8:00am to 8:00 pm

Do you need help?

If your life is at risk, phone 111.
To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please log your issue online: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/report-problem/Pages/report-a-problem.aspx
If you need urgent accommodation assistance, phone Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00.
For welfare assistance, you can call the Ministry of Social Development on 0800 400 100.

Language support

Information on preparing for an emergency is available in a range of languages on the Get Ready website: Home — Get Ready — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand

Remember, if you are calling a government agency and need language assistance, ask for an interpreter. It is the government agency’s responsibility to make sure its services are accessible. This includes providing professional interpreters for free to the public when needed.

Important things to know

Do not drive through floodwaters and remember it could be contaminated
Keep children and animals away from previously flooded areas until they have been cleaned and made safe
Watercare has confirmed that the water treatment plants are operating and tap water is safe to drink
Residents on the North Shore are asked to reduce their water use – keep showers short and don’t use your washing machines
If your home, car, or contents have been damaged by the severe weather, take photos before you remove or repair anything and report it to your insurance company as soon as possible
Health care services across Auckland are continuing to provide care if you need it. All hospitals, including emergency departments remain open. If you are seriously unwell and need emergency care please dial 111
Please be extra careful if you are travelling as there may be road closures still in place; check ahead to make sure your normal route is open and safe to use
If you come into contact with floodwater, follow the advice on the Auckland Regional Public Health Service website: Auckland flooding public health advice - January 2023 | ARPHS
Auckland beaches are possibly contaminated and swimming is not recommended

How to clean 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.

If your gas meter has been affected by water or debris, contact your gas supplier.
Always work safely when cleaning up after a flood by wearing protective clothing and washing hands thoroughly after clean-up and before handling food.
Take photos and videos of the damage and anything that needs to be thrown away before starting the clean-up, for insurance purposes.
Clean up, drain, and dry inside as quickly as possible. Take out everything that is wet and that can be moved – floor coverings, furniture, bedding, clothing, etc., and put them outside to dry when the weather is fine.
Throw away all food and drinking water that has come in contact with floodwater, including things stored in containers.
Do not eat garden produce if the soil has been flooded. Clean up and remove debris and sprinkle gardens with lime.

Check out this link for information on cleaning up after a flood: Floods and health | Ministry of Health NZ

Dumping storm-related waste

Storm-related waste can be dumped for free at nine transfer stations throughout the region.

Details of the transfer stations accepting waste can be found in this link: Mayor announces help with the big Auckland clean up - OurAuckland (aucklandcouncil.govt.nz)

If you’re dumping waste, please phone 0800 22 22 00 to give your name and address.

If you have no way of reaching a transfer station, call 0800 22 22 00 to discuss your options, as council staff may be able to collect it from the roadside.

Meanwhile, in streets with the highest need, the council is arranging skips and volunteers to help.

Where to get financial support

Support and assistance is available if you've been directly affected by the flooding in Auckland.

Civil Defence Payments can assist with a range of costs, including:

medical costs
food
bedding
power bills
accommodation costs
loss of income if you can’t work

You can access the Civil Defence Payments through Work and Income. Non-residents may be eligible. You do not have to be on a benefit to access support.

If you have evacuees staying with you, you may also be able to get help through the Civil Defence Payment.

For more information visit: Urgent or unexpected costs - Work and Income

Call Work and Income on 0800 400 100 between 8am and 5pm for help with emergency costs.

Mental wellbeing

This is a stressful time for many people, and anxiety is common in an event like this.

Talking to people and helping others can be both therapeutic and useful.

If you need further support for yourself or for others:

call your general practice, after-hours GP practice or Healthline on 0800 611 116
free-call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor
in an emergency, call 111

Homeowners’ advocacy service

The Residential Advisory Service (RAS) within MBIE provide advocacy services and advice to homeowners who are navigating insurance claims to remediate damage suffered due to an event. You can contact info@advisory.org.nz or ring 0800 777 299, 03 379 7027 for more information.

Tenancy information

If you are the tenant or landlord of a rental property, you can find information on your rights and obligations at www.tenancy.govt.nz or by phoning 0800 TENANCY (0800 836 262).

Education

Parents and caregivers should check with their school or early learning service for updated information.

Disabled people

If you are a disabled person who has been affected by the flooding, check out Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People's Facebook page for updates: Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People | Facebook

Foreign nationals

Foreign Nationals requiring assistance should contact their Embassy or High Commission. Contact details can be found at Embassies | New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (mfat.govt.nz): https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/embassies/ .

Animal welfare

Your animals are your responsibility. You need to include them in your planning in the event of an emergency. If you have to evacuate, take them with you or make sure they are in a secure and sheltered place.

Contact Us

You can reach out to us by email at info@ethniccommunities.govt.nz.

Take care of yourselves, your families, loved ones and wider communities.

Ngā mihi nui

Pratima Namasivayam
Acting Chief Executive
Ministry for Ethnic Communities

Forward to a friend