We've heard stories of absolute devastation coming out of Tairawhiti this morning, and also once again - the anger and frustration over the mess caused by forestry slash. Gisborne, and many other part of the region have been completely isolated - with internet and mobile phone lines out. Reporter Kate Green is in Gisborne on a satellite phone.

The cyclone is causing major telecommunications outages. Gisborne in particular is completely isolated this morning with internet and mobile phone lines out. Paul Brislen is head of the Telecommunications Forum - which represents all three of the phone networks - Spark, Two Degrees and Vodafone.

Bruce Wills from Federated Farmers describes the situation from his farm in Roys Hill in the Hastings District.

Tolaga Bay farmer Bridget Parker says she's at the end of her tether coping with forest waste creating floods that destroy their land. Three major flood events have now impacted her farm in the past year. She says she is beyond angry with silt and water through their home, sheds and farm - and logs strewn across paddocks, far worse than the January flood. Bridget Parker told Kathryn Ryan that government ministers and overseas forest company owners ought to visit their farm and see the devastation.

Bridget Parker farms inland from Tolaga Bay, her farm is covered with sediment and logs, she says it's total carnage and "we're totally bloody gutted".

A volunteer firefighter remains trapped inside a collapsed house in the beach suburb and another is in a critical condition after being caught in a landslide. All residents in Motutara Road and Domain Crescent were told to evacuate as slips destabilised the area. Kathryn speaks to Domain Cr resident Oliver Neuland who was told to leave in the early hours. Also another resident Joe who is at the Muriwai Surf Club with other evacuees.

The Defence Force has deployed specialist teams to respond to the devastation of the cyclone - they've been involved in rescuing people from Muriwai this morning. Colonel Mel Childs, Defence Force Task Group Commander has the latest.

There are reports of widespread flooding and communications in the northern Hawke's Bay town of Wairoa. Kathryn speaks to the town's mayor Craig Little who's trapped near Tuai, near Waikaremoana.

Urban issues commentator Bill McKay joins Kathryn to talk about what recent weather events might mean for city planning into the future. Which parts of the infrastructure network held up well and which ones need a rethink? Do we need to forgo the urge to concrete over green spaces and plant water-loving natives instead?

Cherie Metcalfe is a food writer and chef who's latest book Together has recipes for shared food. She's also the founder of the food brand Pepper and Me, producing a range of products including rubs, spices, butters, pastes and grinds. Her first book Keepers was a best seller. She joins Kathryn from Tauranga with a recipe for Chorizo-Loaded Queso.