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Download AudioThe states of emergency covering Auckland and Coromandel have been extended as authorities prepare for the possible arrival of tropical cyclone Gabrielle on Sunday night.
Winds of up to 150 kilometres and hour and heavy rains are expected.
Herewini Te Koha, the head of Auckland Council’s Ngā Mātārae Māori engagement unit, says people have a couple of days to prepare.
He recommends checking and cleaning drains around your house, making sure there is extra food and water at hand, and keeping torches and phones charged in case of the power goes out.
If there were slips on your own or nearby properties during the floods two weeks ago, be extra vigilant.
“Have a plan if you need to move and at short notice and if you’re feeling a little bit more anxious, even without having that plan there is somewhere you think you can go to as a precaution even temporarily, then take that option if it brings you peace of mind,” Mr Te Koha says.
Herewini Te Koha says people should also check on their neighbours, especially any pakeke.
Visit getready.govt.nz for more information on preparing for the storm.
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