Chris Hipkins. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Parliament has had to reshuffle its business schedule for the week as Cyclone Gabrielle batters the North Island.
More than a dozen MPs are stranded in their homes or electorates throughout the motu due to flight cancellations.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is currently in Auckland and will not be able to fly back to Wellington until Tuesday afternoon at the earliest.
Parliament will still resume at 2pm, but Hipkins' planned prime ministerial speech has been replaced by a discussion amongst MPs of the recent weather events.
The House is also expected to pass a motion on the earthquake in Turkey and Syria today.
Hipkins will deliver his speech setting out his plans for the year on Wednesday instead, with the first Question Time of the year now set down for Thursday.
The rescheduled plan may change throughout the week, up until the final order paper is published each sitting day.
* Read more: Live weather updates: Cyclone Gabrielle unleashes fury across North Island
