Weather

Growers are pleading with the government for a recovery package after Cyclone Gabrielle turned vast swathes of fertile land into pulp.

With communications still down, it is not clear if her "urgent" message is getting through. Audio

There were 3544 reports of people uncontactable by 2pm today, as police and search and rescue teams prioritise those unaccounted for or in areas isolated by flood waters. Look back over RNZ's blog.

There were 3544 reports of people uncontactable by 2pm today, as police and search and rescue teams prioritise those unaccounted for or in areas isolated by flood waters.

People should be prepared for the number of fatalities in the wake of the cyclone to increase, the Prime Minister says.

The level of devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle has been further revealed on Thursday, as previously cut off communities are reached for the first time in days. We've collected photos from RNZ…

Even as Cyclone Gabrielle loosened its grip on Aotearoa, trees kept falling - many are wondering whether trees near them might fail.

The Ruatōria shop services all the communities around it but as supplies run low and the area remains without power, Tairāwhiti councillor Rawinia Parata is concerned it will soon become an urgent…

Disruptions common

Further short-term relief measures to help those hit by floods and the cyclone will be announced soon, the Minister of Finance says.

"Come on girls, come here," Kylie McIntyre urgently calls. In the foreground a herd of cows fights against the current, focused on her voice.

The firefighter who died after getting trapped in a slip on Auckland's west coast was an extraordinary man who cared for others in times of pressure, his widow says.

Napier residents are angry at how long it has taken to restore power, internet and cellphone reception.

With hundreds of reports of people being uncontactable after the fury of Cyclone Gabrielle, there are many more anxiously waiting to hear if they are okay.