Watch live: Cyclone Gabrielle update – ‘Aucklanders are strong and resilient, we will get through this’

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the city is well prepared and is taking the threat of Cyclone Gabrielle seriously, as officials give an update on what the country can expect in the coming days.

Officials are providing an update on Cyclone Gabrielle and what the country can expect in the coming days.

Watch the briefing live here:

Auckland Emergency Management announces its latest state of emergency update as Cyclone Gabrielle continues its path towards New Zealand.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown said it will be a challenging time but Auckland is well prepared and taking it seriously.

“This time we have a lot more warnings and are better prepared.”

He said the build-up to the cyclone was “intense”.

“I know the remote rural areas very well. I made sure they were included in the overall planning, not just a city plan.”

He said emergency services were on high alert and asked people to check on neighbors, Whanau and friends to make sure they were okay.

“Aucklanders are strong and resilient and we will get through this. Stay safe. Kia kaha.”

Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson urged people to come forward if they needed help.

“You still have time, Auckland. Please prepare yourself. This cyclone will bring destruction.”

Acting Director of Auckland Emergency Management, Rachel Kelleher, confirmed that refuse collection will not take place on Monday and Tuesday and the next collection will not take place until the next collection date.

She said several work programs – such as the flood-hit property from curbs – have been halted and will resume once the impact of Gabrielle is known.

She said this was a “serious and potentially devastating weather event” and urged people to take advice seriously.

“I would like you to assume that supermarkets will remain open. They are well sorted.”

She said individual supermarkets could close if affected.

Kelleher said anyone who goes to an animal shelter can take pets like “trapped cats” and dogs on a leash.

She said Aucklanders should check AEM.org.nz and Facebook for updated information and shelter locations.

MetService is also expected to provide an update on what the country can expect in the coming days.

Northland is already experiencing the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle, with nearly 1,500 homes losing power.

Some parts of Auckland have also lost power.

There’s more to come…