Nine To Noon

The Ministry for Primary Industries is leading the animal welfare response affected by the weather events.  Wayne Ricketts is the National Animal Welfare Coordinator says feed is coming in for farm animals and he has information of what help is available for companion animals. A shelter has been set up in Hawkes Bay.

Moko Tepania says the district is very much in recovery mode. Supply drops are planned with food and water for very remote settlements. A helicopter loaded with supplies is about to leave Kerikeri. Building inspectors are out across the district finding many inhabitable homes. For people in dire need - they can call this helpline number 0800 920 029.

Terri Donaldson from Maungaturoto's Civil Defence committee has an overview of some of the Kaipara's settlements including Whakapirau and Paparoa.

Resthome and aged care facilities have been struggling with power outages and supply issues. There were evacuations of some homes in Napier and Hastings - but all resident are now back in their facilities. But in Wairoa a group of residents at a local resthome are still be looked after at a local marae. Simon Wallace is the Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association.

RNZ reporter Lauren Crimp on the ground in Hastings at the Civil Defence HQ. Efforts are ongoing to get supplies to the most isolated rural communities, including Wairoa. A plea from authorities to people to only travel if absolutely necessary.

Schools are trying to assess how quickly they can reopen but it remains unclear just how many may have been badly damaged, particularly in isolated cut-off communities. Home schooling also isn't an option - while communications are down. Lance Christiansen is the principal of Central Hawkes Bay College and the Hawkes Bay-East Coast representative on the Secondary Principals Council.

Transpower expects to complete bypass of it's flooded Redclyffe substation near Taradale this evening. The substation suffered extensive damage during the Cyclone and Transpower has been working with Unison Networks to create a bypass for the 220KV high voltage line to enable it to connect to the Whakatu substation north-east of Hastings. Transpower Chief Executive Alison Andrew shares the latest with Kathryn.

The main water treatment plant is inoperational, the system is overloaded. Gisborne town supply is not suitable for drinking or washing. RNZ reporter Mani Dunlop has been onboard navy vessel Manawanui, which has urgent backup water supplies for Tairawhiti.

The focus of Cyclone Gabrielle devastation has moved further south, but it leaves behind mounting issues in the north. Auckland, Stuff Senior Auckland Affairs Journalist Todd Niall outlines the gravity of crumbling infrastructure in the city of Sails.

Phone and internet are still a big problem for many in Tairawhiti and Hawkes Bay. Paul Brislen is head of the Telecommunications Forum and is with us for an update.