There have been some incredible survival stories in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, some are only just emerging as communications are slowly restored in the worst affected areas. Two Hawkes Bay brothers, Chris and Phillip Barber from the Esk Valley tell Susie about how they were reunited after a harrowing silence.

In Tamaki Makarau, Waitakere Councillor, Shane Henderson is abreast of the still fragile situation at Muriwai where unstable land is causing concern, particularly on Domain Crescent and he also has an update on Piha, Bethells Beach and Karekare.

Anna Lorck is the Labour Party MP for the Tukituki electorate - which covers large parts of Hawkes Bay.

The under investment in infrastructure laid bare by the ravages of Cyclone Gabrielle is top of mind for Cabinet today. The Government is refocusing and reprioritising in light of the devastation, which comes with a huge price tag. 11 people are confirmed to have died, many remain unaccounted for, nationwide, 28-thousand homes have no electricity, roading has been washed out, hundreds of farms are covered in deep silt, crops are destroyed and supply chains disrupted. Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor has visited the Hawkes Bay region.

Jonathan Bell is the Rural Support Trust area coordinator for Hawkes Bay. He says helicopters are doing air drops to badly affected communities.

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.

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

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.

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.