Cyclone Gabrielle Frequently Asked Questions

A national state of emergency was declared on Tuesday 14 Feb 2023. As of Tuesday 14 March, the national state of emergency has now been lifted. We are now in a response and transition to recovery phase.

Monetary donations are the best way to make sure resources are accurately allocated to those in need. 
Please don’t take clothing and small food parcels to our evacuation centre, we aren’t resourced to sort through and allocate these items.
If you would like to make a monetary donation to Hawke’s Bay Disaster Relief Trust you can do so either through the website or text by texting DONATE to 5569.
The Trust is the easiest and most effective way for people to lend a hand. It means people can donate to one single, centralised fund and know their financial support will be spent on the most urgent needs and directed where it is needed most.

We are working with Hawke's Bay Regional Council and Hastings District Council to help remove silt from rural and residential properties.

If you have silt for removal, please pile it on verges or easily accessible frontages away from drains and gutters. When silt is ready for collection, please call 0800 108 838 and our teams will come through to remove it.

As the silt mud dries to dust, we strongly encourage people to wear face masks, gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when clearing sites. The dust will contain contaminants that could be harmful. The silt contains toxins, chemicals and fecal matter that can be inhaled in and make people sick. Also make sure you wash your hands after handling flood debris and silt.  Please view information from  Te Whatu Ora ‐ Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay for guidance. 

We also ask that silt isn’t tipped and left on roadsides that’s already been cleared of mud and flood debris. We don’t want the silt washed into our stormwater system as this will block the drains and cause future flooding. Keep it covered if you can, to avoid the dust becoming airborne. Keep your windows closed on windy days to reduce dust coming inside.

Avoid all contact with floodwaters and mud. Contaminated water can contain harmful sewage, toxic chemicals, and hidden debris. Do not swim, fish, collect shellfish, or let dogs near the water. It is not safe. Contaminated floodwaters can cause severe illness. If you do come into contact with floodwaters clean yourself and any clothing/shoes thoroughly. 

Napier is under Level 4 Water Restrictions. This means that businesses, including restaurants and cafes, can open for trade. However, our wastewater network cannot handle wastewater from industrial business operations.

People are urged to follow these simple guidelines: 

• Don't rush to flush: Keep toilet flushing to an absolute minimum 
• 1-minute showers: If you have to shower keep it quick, even better take a sponge bath 
• Wash dishes by hand 
• Do not hose silt into driveways. This will clog the stormwater and cause flooding even in minor rain.   
• Boil drinking water notice for all residents with a private water supply (ie. bore) until further notice. This is due to potential contamination of ground water from flooding.

Yes it is from the town supply. The exception is if you have a private bore or water supply then you will need to boil water for personal use first.

We have been working hard to get our services and facilities back up and running.

• Kerbside rubbish and recycling collections have resumed as normal.
• The Redclyffe Transfer Station is open for flood-damaged waste only and is free until further notice. We are not able to accept recycling and green waste at the moment.
• For a full update on rubbish and recycling services available to Napier residents please visit our Cyclone Gabrielle: rubbish and recycling updates page here. 
• All freedom camping sites are open. 
• The walking tracks at Sturms Gully and Park Island (around Western Hills and Park Island Cemetery) are closed for safety reasons. All other parks, playgrounds and reserves are open to the public.
• Most Council facilities are now open. For the latest updates on these facilities please refer to this page for more details.

Before you start the clean-up process, it's important to follow these steps to keep you and your family safe:

• Keep away from flood waters as they may be contaminated with sewage or chemicals.
• If you feel unwell after coming into contact with flood water, call your doctor or call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116
• Don't consume thawed food after 48 hours.
• Wash your hands thoroughly, especially before preparing food or eating.
• Wear an N95 dust mask when cleaning up dried silt. Wash hands thorough after touching silt.

Tell your neighbours and others about the information you see here. Tune in to Newstalk ZB - 96.7, The Hits - 89.5 (temporary frequency for Hawke's Bay 95.9), The Breeze - 97.5, RNZ National 101.5

Follow HB Emergency Management on Facebook and Napier City Council - Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri | Napier | Facebook

The impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle are affecting people in different ways, and at different times. Please know that it’s OK not to be OK, and help is available.