More than 2,000 welfare checks made across region

Teams totalling 130 people from Auckland Emergency Management, Auckland Council, NZ Police, NZ Defence Force, Land Search and Rescue, and Red Cross have been out around the region today, door knocking to check on the welfare of residents without power.

More than 2,000 homes have been visited, and checks will continue on Sunday.

Community hubs were open in Waitakere, Massey, Three Kings, Kumeu, Waimauku, Glenfield, and Waiatarua. Waitakere has remained open this evening for extended welfare support, and all hubs will be open on Sunday from 8am until 4pm.

Waitākere councillors Penny Hulse and Linda Cooper were part of the team out visiting those affected by the power outage in Massey. Penny says, "We are being met with nothing but lovely kind words and genuine gratefulness that we are visiting."

Also:
- 19,000 litres of water have been distributed to date
- So far, 191 Portaloos have been delivered, another 49 are due to be delivered on Sunday, and more to follow
- Today, 25 arboriculture teams were out across the region, and 20 more maintenance teams were working on the clean-up
- Vector advises that there are still approximately 4,000 customers without power.
Community hubs and door knocking
Seven community hubs offer a place to go for those who cannot access help via phone, giving information on how to access ongoing support.
They will be open from 8am until 4pm on Sunday 15 April, at the following locations:
Community hub Address
Waimauku War Memorial Hall 24 Waimuku Station Rd, Waimauku
Kumeu Library 296 Main Rd, Huapai, Kumeu

Glenfield Pool and Leisure Centre 73/77 Bentley Ave, Glenfield(Glenfield Mall)

Massey Leisure Centre 545 Don Buck Road, Massey

Waitakere Domain Hall 13 Bethells Road, Waitakere

Waiatarua Fire Station 464 Scenic Dr, Waiatarua

Fickling Convention Centre 546 Mt Albert Rd, Three Kings

Of the 2,000 doors knocked between 10-20% were unanswered.
Weather
Metservice has advised that Saturday’s severe thunderstorm watch has now been lifted for Auckland. At this stage the weather is expected to be stable on Sunday.

On Monday 16 April another front is expected to move across Auckland and is likely to bring gale force winds and some heavy rain.

Check the Metservice website for the latest weather updates.

Keep an eye on the weather in the coming days, secure loose outdoor items and clear your gutters.

Water and portaloos
Anyone without access to a toilet or drinking water because of the storm, that can’t get any by other means, can phone us on 0800 22 22 00.

We are continuing to deliver Portaloos on Sunday.

Power
Around 4,000 properties remain without power as a result of the storm.

Vector has updated that progress is being made to restore it. For up to date information visit the Vector and Counties Power websites.

All downed power lines should be treated as live. Stay well away and don’t attempt to cut or move trees that are in contact with lines.

Waste food
If you have spoiled food as a result of your power outage you can take it to Waitakere Transfer Station in Henderson and dispose of it for free. If you cannot access the transfer station and have more than 3 rubbish sacks of spoiled food call 0800 222200 to arrange for a special collection.

Waitakere Transfer Station address: 50 The Concourse, Henderson, Auckland 0610
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am-6pm; Sat, Sun: 8am-4pm
Welfare and local help
Auckland Council libraries are open as per normal hours, and people without power can go and get warm, use wifi and charge their phones.

All Auckland Council leisure centres and YMCAs are offering a hot shower for free, and somewhere to get warm and have a hot cup of tea or coffee.

If you need help with urgent or unexpected costs as a result of the Auckland storms, the Ministry of Social Development may be able to help, call 0800 559009.

Medical health and advice
Contact your GP if you are concerned about health issues and contact your health provider if you need support like home support services including for support you currently receive.

Trees
We continue to receive new reports of downed trees. Auckland Council contractors are working around the clock to make roads safe and manage emergency tree works across the region. Contractors are prioritising jobs that pose immediate safety issues.

Trees will be put on berms and mulched at a later date, so contractors can move on to higher priority jobs. This may take weeks to clear.

Report trees down on public land to Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.

Animal welfare
If your property is experiencing issues with septic/waste overflow, try to prevent animals coming into contact with this material. Animals are just as susceptible to becoming unwell as people if they ingest this material. It can cause gastro-like illness. If you are boiling water for safe drinking, do the same for your animals.

ENDS

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