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.

Pera Paniora is the Maori Ward councillor in Kaipara says some communities may not have electricity for weeks.

The Coromandel Peninsula is in major recovery mode after 6 weeks of heavy rain, with many parts being cut off following huge landslides. Mayor of Thames-Coromandel Len Salt says the whole district is under threat financially and socially.

Census day is just over two weeks away and official say it will go ahead, despite the devastation wrought by Cyclone Gabrielle. Stats NZ says it is working closely with NEMA and other government agencies to understand the impacts on the North Island and will make further decisions about census operations accordingly. Simon Mason is Deputy Government Statistician and Census and Collection Operations deputy chief executive.

Thousands of North Islanders are facing uncertainty, loss and grief in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle. Psychologist Sarb Johal talks about how people can get the psychological support they need.

Paul Paynter's company Yummy Fruit is a major provider to the domestic market. He says there are horrific scenes in parts of the Esk Valley, with orchards and vines underwater and silt, dead animals and debris everywhere.