Message from

the Chief Executive

Kia ora koutou

If you are in the Auckland region and have been affected by the flooding our thoughts are with you at this time. We are currently on the ground in Auckland working behind the scenes and have been since yesterday. The following is some information that you may find helpful. Please note that the below is based on the best information we have at this stage and we will provide an update as more information comes to light. If you need clarification or support, please do not hesitate to get in touch with your contact at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.

What has happened

Heavy rain has hit much of the upper North Island, and Auckland has been particularly hard hit with severe flooding. Showers are easing in Auckland today, but heavy rain is forecast to return on Sunday.
Auckland Emergency Management declared a state of local emergency 2127hrs Friday night (27 January) in response to severe weather causing unprecedented flooding across the region.
The state of local emergency expires in seven days.
You can find useful information on the Auckland Emergency Management website.

What we know

Many people have been evacuated overnight or have self-evacuated to stay with friends or whānau.
It is too early to say what the impacts of this event are. Inspections today will reveal the extent of damage and disruption.

Do you need a place to stay?

URGENT ACCOMODATION: A helpline has been set up by Auckland Emergency Management for anyone who needs accommodation: 0800 22 22 00. We understand that they have interpreter services available through the translation line.
CIVIL DEFENCE CENTRES: Auckland Emergency Management have opened Civil Defence Centres for those who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or whanau:

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.

Do you need help with food, bedding or clothing or can not go to work?

MSD support line 0800 400 100 has been established for impacted people to call. This is operating 7am-5pm today. The hours for tomorrow are still to be confirmed. We understand that they have interpreter services available through the translation line.
Civil Defence payments have been activated, and these can be accessed via the number above.

Are you worried about your life, health or property?

Please call 111 immediately.

How to keep your family, pets and you safe?

Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.
Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater: even water just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.
Help others if it is safe to do so, especially people who may require special assistance.
When you evacuate bring with you any essential items you may need including medication, warm clothing and baby items.
Take your pets with you when you evacuate – if it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them.
Listen to the advice of Civil Defence and Emergency Services.
If you have been evacuated, it may not be safe to return home even when the floodwaters have receded. Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities and don’t return home until they tell you it is safe to do so.
If your property has been damaged, please take pictures for your insurance company and contact them as soon as you can.
Watercare have advised that their water treatment plants are operating and water is safe to drink.
To report flooding, damage to drains, or stormwater issues, please log your issue online.
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.

What is next?

We are hoping to share a more in depth all of government update with you soon. That will have more information. And we are also working to ensure that information is available in other languages.
We are also working with other government agencies to ensure that specific needs for ethnic communities are provided, such as appropriate food, spaces for prayers and translators are made available, when needed.

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

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