2023 Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods

In January 2023, Auckland and the upper North Island experienced relentless maritime heatwave conditions caused by the annual La Niña cycle and exacerbated by climate change.{{Cite news |last=Craymer |first=Lucy |date=2023-01-16 |title=New Zealand's southern waters experiencing marine heatwave |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealands-southern-waters-experiencing-marine-heatwave-2023-01-16/ |access-date=2023-01-31}}{{better ref needed|reason=The ref is about climate change in the South Island, but this article is about the North Island|date=March 2025}} Heavy rain plagued the northern and eastern areas of the country through most of January, with flooding events shortly after New Year,{{Cite web |first1=Sapeer |last1=Mayron |first2=James |last2=Halpin |first3= Karanama |last3=Ruru |date=2023-01-05 |title=Heavy rain batters Coromandel, Whitianga cut off by flooding and slips on highway |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/130907177/heavy-rain-batters-coromandel-whitianga-cut-off-by-flooding-and-slips-on-highway |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=Stuff |language=en}} and Tropical Depression Hale impacting the country on 10 and 11 January.{{Cite web |title=Cyclone Hale: Rain-soaked Bay of Plenty unable to escape more wet weather |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/cyclone-hale-rain-soaked-bay-of-plenty-unable-to-escape-more-wet-weather/GU6CLI6HBNC2TK4SPI26GG3F5Q/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} Before the events of 27 January, there was already sentiment brewing among some in the country that the summer of 2022–23 was the country's "worst summer ever".{{Cite web |title=Aotearoa's 'worst summer ever?' Depends where you are - NIWA |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/27/aotearoas-worst-summer-ever-depends-where-you-are-niwa/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=1 News |language=en}}

According to Victoria University of Wellington climate scientist James Renwick and University of Auckland urban planning lecturer Timothy Welch, Auckland, along with many other areas in the country, experiences ageing stormwater infrastructure systems which are unable to cope with population growth and the impact of climate change. Tar seals and concrete surfaces on roads, carparks, and buildings also prevent rainwater from dispersing into the ground, causing water to pool up and surfaces to flood during heavy rain events.{{cite news |last1=Renwick |first1=James |date=28 January 2023 |title=The Auckland floods are a sign of things to come |work=Newsroom |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/the-auckland-floods-are-a-sign-of-things-to-come |access-date=31 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129064852/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/the-auckland-floods-are-a-sign-of-things-to-come |archive-date=29 January 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Welch |first1=Timothy |title=Auckland floods: even stormwater reform won't be enough – we need a 'sponge city' to avoid future disasters |url=https://theconversation.com/auckland-floods-even-stormwater-reform-wont-be-enough-we-need-a-sponge-city-to-avoid-future-disasters-198736 |access-date=31 January 2023 |website=The Conversation |date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130091444/https://theconversation.com/auckland-floods-even-stormwater-reform-wont-be-enough-we-need-a-sponge-city-to-avoid-future-disasters-198736 |archive-date=30 January 2023}} Significant flooding events had previously occurred in Auckland in August 2021 and March 2022.{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2021 |title=Heavy rain causes extensive flooding in parts of Auckland |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2021/08/30/heavy-rain-causes-extensive-flooding-in-parts-of-auckland/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=1 News |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2022 |title=Cars, supermarkets swamped as heavy rain slams Auckland |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/03/21/cars-supermarkets-swamped-as-heavy-rain-slams-auckland/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=1 News |language=en}}

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File:24012023-08022023 rainfall in New Zealand.png

From 27 January, a tropical atmospheric river carrying a long band of rain and thunderstorms lay mostly stationary over the upper North Island, blocked by a large anticyclone to the southeast of the country which prevented it from moving south across New Zealand. This atmospheric river was brought down into the New Zealand area by the remnant low left behind by Tropical Depression 06F, which moved south into the Tasman Sea.

According to the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), Auckland Airport received more than its average monthly rainfall for January ({{convert|201|mm|abbr=on|disp=semicolon}}) within one day on 27 January. By 10:00 pm on 27 January, other locations in Auckland had reported record daily rainfalls before the day was over; the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) had had {{convert|238.4|mm|abbr=on}}, Albany had had {{convert|260.6|mm|abbr=on}}, and Māngere had had {{convert|242|mm|abbr=on}}.{{cite news |last1=Morton |first1=Jamie |date=28 January 2023 |title=Explained: What caused Auckland's wettest day - and where climate change fits in |work=Newstalk ZB |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/auckland/auckland-floods-what-caused-auckland-s-wettest-day-and-where-climate-change-fits-in/ |access-date=31 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129210936/https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/auckland/auckland-floods-what-caused-auckland-s-wettest-day-and-where-climate-change-fits-in/ |archive-date=29 January 2023}} The highest daily rainfall occurred in Māngere, with a total of {{convert|265|mm|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-03 |title=Climate Summary for January 2023 |url=https://niwa.co.nz/climate/monthly/climate-summary-for-january-2023 |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=NIWA |language=en}} Metservice also reported that {{convert|299.5|mm|abbr=on}} of rain fell at Albert Park in a span of 34 hours.{{Cite web |title=🌧 Rainfall totals so far during... - MetService New Zealand |url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=556245213214250&id=100064863271237&set=a.305745801597527 |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}} The peak 2-minute rainfall in Māngere was {{convert|4.2|mm|abbr=on}}.{{Cite web |last=Newton |first=Kate |date=2023-02-02 |title=Sudden and savage: Auckland's rainfall sets a 'new benchmark' |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131131905/sudden-and-savage-aucklands-rainfall-sets-a-new-benchmark |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Stuff |language=en}} Some parts of the city had over {{convert|400|mm|abbr=on}} of rain within a week.{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Michael |date=2023-01-31 |title=Some parts of Auckland city had more than 400mm of rain in a week, nearly everywhere had at least 150mm |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/131116461/some-parts-of-auckland-city-had-more-than-400mm-of-rain-in-a-week-nearly-everywhere-had-at-least-150mm |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Stuff |language=en}} 27 January was declared the wettest day in Auckland on record, with {{convert|258|mm|abbr=on}} of rain at Auckland Airport exceeding the previous record of {{convert|161.8|mm|abbr=on}}.{{cite web |title=Past weather for Auckland Airport as Auckland Central has no past weather data |publisher=MetService |url=https://www.metservice.com/towns-cities/locations/auckland/past-weather|access-date=2023-02-05}} January 2023 was declared the wettest month ever in central Auckland by NIWA, with the total of {{convert|539|mm|abbr=off}} surpassing the {{convert|420|mm|abbr=on}} recorded in February 1869.{{Cite web |last=Armah |first=Mildred |date=2023-02-02 |title=Auckland has just had its wettest month in history, Niwa says |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/300798265/auckland-has-just-had-its-wettest-month-in-history-niwa-says |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

Some flooding also occurred in the Northland region on 27 January.{{Cite news |date=28 January 2023 |title=Recap: Auckland faces more rain after 'wettest day on record', 3 dead, states of emergency in effect for supercity and Waitomo |work=Stuff |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/300794223/recap-auckland-faces-more-rain-after-wettest-day-on-record-3-dead-states-of-emergency-in-effect-for-supercity-and-waitomo |access-date=29 January 2023}} On 28 and 29 January, the rain spread south of Auckland, causing widespread flooding in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, with some flooding in the Gisborne region. On 31 January, NIWA forecast that the atmospheric river moving through the upper North Island would once again reach Auckland between midnight and dawn. NIWA also reported that a subtropical low-pressure system was predicted to hit Northland that afternoon.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-31 |title=Auckland floods: Worst of 'atmospheric river' to hit city after midnight - NZ Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-flooding-live-worst-of-atmospheric-river-to-hit-city-after-midnight/CKGAYNE6TFBERGTVBPDWWZ64TE/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131235040/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-flooding-live-worst-of-atmospheric-river-to-hit-city-after-midnight/CKGAYNE6TFBERGTVBPDWWZ64TE/ |archive-date=31 January 2023 }}

Following lighter rain on 30 and 31 January, areas of Auckland flooded for a second time on the morning of 1 February after more heavy downpours. MetService reported that about {{convert|20|–|30|mm/h|in/h|abbr=off}} of "intensive rainfall" had fallen in parts of Auckland in the early hours of 1 February. Auckland Emergency Management reported there were landslides and flooding in Devonport. Flooding was reported in several areas including Sandringham, St Lukes, near Eden Park, Onehunga, and Wairau Valley. Whangarei Airport in Northland reported {{convert|60|mm|abbr=on}} of rain between 9:00 pm on 31 January and 4:00 am on 1 February, with half that amount falling around 9:00 pm.{{cite news |date=1 February 2022 |title=Residents evacuated as homes, roads flooded again |work=Otago Daily Times |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/residents-evacuated-homes-roads-flooded-again |access-date=3 February 2023}}

After the heaviest rains subsided, the risk of landslides in Auckland and across other areas of the North Island persisted due to the extreme amount of water in the soil. Even light rains presented the threat of further slips.{{Cite web |title=Slips an everyday hazard after Auckland's unprecedented rain |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/03/slips-an-everyday-hazard-after-aucklands-unprecedented-rain/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=1 News |language=en}}

On Saturday 4 February, no rain fell at Auckland Airport for the first time since the floods began.

While the North Island was being impacted by extreme weather, MetService confirmed that the humid tropical air that had been brought into the New Zealand area also caused some severe weather in the South Island.{{Cite news|date=1 February 2023|title=Thunderstorm warning and heat alerts for South |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/thunderstorm-warning-and-heat-alerts-south |access-date=3 February 2023 |work=Otago Daily Times |language=en}} Severe thunderstorms impacted some areas of Otago and Southland, while the eastern South Island including parts of coastal Canterbury, Otago, and Southland experienced heatwave conditions at the beginning of February.{{Cite news |last=Magrin |first=Federico |date=1 February 2023 |title=Heatwave, flooding and thunderstorms forecast in weather extremes for the South Island |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131118023/heatwave-flooding-and-thunderstorms-forecast-in-weather-extremes-for-the-south-island |access-date=3 February 2023 |website=Stuff |language=en}} Heavy rain along the western coast of the South Island caused some slips and minor flooding in the West Coast and Tasman regions, closing a portion of SH 6 on Sunday 5 February,{{Cite web |title=Tasman, West Coast motorists warned amid slips and flooding not to travel unless 'absolutely essential' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/tasman-west-coast-weather-motorists-warned-to-not-travel-unless-absolutely-essential/P6W4IKDDWFCTFHZPDX3CUE35SE/ |access-date=2023-02-05 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} while a small tornado hit Greymouth just after midnight on Monday 6 February.{{Cite web |title=Roof lifted at primary school after tornado hits Greymouth |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/06/roofs-lifted-at-primary-school-after-tornado-hits-greymouth/ |access-date=2023-02-05 |website=1 News |language=en}}

On 28 January, the Interislander ferry MV Kaitaki lost power while sailing between Picton and Wellington in Cook Strait at around 5:00 pm.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-01 |title=Cook Strait ferry breakdown caused by leak in cooling system - Interislander |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/483418/cook-strait-ferry-breakdown-caused-by-leak-in-cooling-system-interislander |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} The ship drifted towards Sinclair Head in rough seas churned up by the weather system impacting the North Island. The crew managed to restore some power and made it to Wellington at around 9:00 pm with the assistance of tugboats. The power outage was determined to not have been caused by the weather.

Cyclone Gabrielle brought further severe weather to the North Island from Sunday 12 February to Thursday 16 February, killing 11 people.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-20 |title=Cyclone Gabrielle: Who are the 11 victims? |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/484536/cyclone-gabrielle-who-are-the-11-victims |access-date=2023-06-23 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}

The upper North Island, particularly Auckland, experienced another significant flooding event a few months later on Tuesday 9 May,{{Cite web |date=2023-05-09 |title=State of emergency declared as flooding hits Auckland |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/300873036/state-of-emergency-declared-as-flooding-hits-auckland |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Stuff |language=en}} resulting in one death.{{Cite news |last=Ng |first=Kelly |date=2023-05-10 |title=Auckland floods: Body found in caves where boy went missing |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-65541212 |access-date=2023-05-10}}

The events of Friday 27 January were largely unexpected, with only orange rain warnings having been issued before the beginning of the event.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-31 |title=The red severe weather warning explained |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/explained/300795828/the-red-severe-weather-warning-explained |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=Stuff |language=en}} On the evening of 27 January MetService upgraded the orange rain warning in Auckland to a red rain warning, the highest level of warning available, while the city was already flooding.

In anticipation for more heavy rain arriving on Tuesday 31 January and Wednesday 1 February, MetService issued red rain warnings again for Northland, northern Auckland, Coromandel, and parts of the Bay of Plenty, while an orange rain warning was issued for southern and central Auckland.{{Cite web |last=Quill |first=Annemarie |date=2023-01-31 |title=Red alert: highest weather warning for Bay of Plenty |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/bay-of-plenty/300796167/red-alert-highest-weather-warning-for-bay-of-plenty |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=Stuff |language=en}} St John bolstered resources across the upper North Island, supermarkets closed their doors early, and residents raced to clean up debris from the first flooding event in preparation for the possible second flooding event.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-31 |title=Live: Sinkhole opens in west Auckland, tree takes out power on same road |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/300795553/live-sinkhole-opens-in-west-auckland-tree-takes-out-power-on-same-road |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Stuff |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Aucklanders race to clear rubbish ahead of more bad weather |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/31/aucklanders-race-to-clear-rubbish-ahead-of-more-bad-weather/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=1 News |language=en}} A state of regional emergency was declared in Northland on 31 January in anticipation of the event, which was rescinded the following day after the event turned out to not be as bad as anticipated in the region.

While no phone alerts were issued during the initial events on Friday, on Sunday 29 January, at 7:47{{nbsp}}pm, Auckland Emergency Management issued an emergency alert across Auckland via the cellular phone network, warning of possible heavy rain and thunderstorms over the following 12-hour period.{{cite news |date=29 January 2023 |title=Auckland Emergency Management sends weather warning alert to Aucklanders' phones |work=The New Zealand Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/civil-defence-sends-weather-warning-alert-to-aucklanders-phones/DN27EJMU65E6HLY73IEOH6KIOI/ |access-date=30 January 2023}} Another alert was issued at 3:32 pm on Tuesday 31 January, warning of more rain north of Orewa over Tuesday and Wednesday.{{Cite web |title=Auckland floods: City residents receive second emergency mobile phone alert |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-floods-city-residents-recieve-second-emergency-mobile-phone-alert/XVM54GJ5CBD4LLN4GGTL3SSSQQ/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}

The flooding in Auckland on 27 January affected 25 suburbs in the city, closed major motorways, and left 6,000 to 8,000 homes in need of damage assessment. Multiple slips threatened or destroyed buildings across the city, including a Manukau Coastguard building at French Bay / Otitori Bay.{{Cite web |last=Sommerville |first=Troels |date=2023-01-28 |title=In pictures: Auckland flooding leaves residents homeless and city swamped |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131089348/in-pictures-auckland-flooding-leaves-residents-homeless-and-city-swamped |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Stuff |language=en}} On 28 January shortly before midnight, a landslide in Tauranga destroyed a house. As of 12:00 pm on Wednesday 8 February, 277 red placards, 1,615 yellow placards, and 2,566 white placards had been issued on buildings across Auckland.{{Cite web |title=Important Storm Updates |url=https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/01/january-storm-event/ |access-date=2023-02-08 |website=OurAuckland |language=en}} As of Monday 27 February, there were 357 houses with red placards and 943 houses with yellow placards.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-27 |title=Auckland Anniversary floods in numbers, one month on |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/131346549/auckland-anniversary-floods-in-numbers-one-month-on |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=Stuff |language=en}} A red placard indicates the building is unsafe to enter, a yellow placard indicates the building has restricted access, and a white placard indicates minimal damage.{{Cite web |title=What to expect from flood-damaged building inspections |url=https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/01/what-to-expect-from-flood-damaged-building-inspections/ |access-date=2023-02-05 |website=OurAuckland |language=en}}

Emergency services in Auckland responded to 719 weather incidents, answered 2,242 emergency calls, and made 126 rescues on Friday and Saturday morning.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-28 |title='Wettest day on record': Auckland 'clobbered' by unprecedented storm |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/auckland-top-stories/300794429/wettest-day-on-record-auckland-clobbered-by-unprecedented-storm |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Stuff |language=en}} A total of 811 water damaged cars had to be manually removed from roads, while 20 water damaged buses were removed from service. Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown stated that over 200 lifts were reported to not be working across the city after the floods, potentially isolating elderly residents at the top of apartment buildings, but Age Concern Auckland CEO Kevin Lamb stated that they had not had any calls about elderly people experiencing difficulties because of lift outages.{{Cite web |first1=Karanama |last1=Ruru |first2=Katie |last2=Ham |date=2023-02-01 |title=People isolated in apartment buildings as over 200 lifts out, Brown says |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300797537/people-isolated-in-apartment-buildings-as-over-200-lifts-out-brown-says |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

A second event in Auckland on 1 February resulted in several homes, businesses, and roads being inundated by flooding, with major slips being reported. 44 families with 168 members were placed into emergency accommodation after this event, while Fire and Emergency New Zealand responded to 63 incidents, including rescues. In total, 1313 injury claims were made to ACC in relation to the floods.{{Cite web |title=ACC data shows over 3000 injury claims from this year's storms |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/04/09/acc-data-shows-over-3000-injury-claims-from-this-years-storms/ |access-date=2023-04-08 |website=1 News |language=en |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408220621/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/04/09/acc-data-shows-over-3000-injury-claims-from-this-years-storms/ |url-status=dead }}

The New Zealand Insurance Council predicted that the event will result in the highest number of weather related insurance claims on record, with insurance companies expecting that this will be the costliest weather event in New Zealand ever.{{Cite news |title=Auckland flooding: New Zealand Insurance Council estimates record number of claims to come |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/01/auckland-flooding-new-zealand-insurance-council-estimates-record-number-of-claims-to-come.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128224755/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/01/auckland-flooding-new-zealand-insurance-council-estimates-record-number-of-claims-to-come.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-28}}{{Cite web |last=Clark-Dow |first=Emma |date=2023-01-29 |title=Auckland floods: More than 6000 insurance claims lodged, with more expected |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300794687/auckland-floods-more-than-6000-insurance-claims-lodged-with-more-expected |access-date=2023-01-29 |website=Stuff |language=en}} AA Insurance stated that the floods were its largest vehicle claims event in history,{{Cite web |title=North Island floods largest vehicle claims event in AA's history |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/04/north-island-floods-largest-vehicle-claims-event-in-aas-history/ |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=1 News |language=en}} with an estimated 10,000 cars expected to be written off. Perils estimated the insurance loss was about NZ$2.2 billion (US$1.43 billion).{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Georgina |url=https://insuranceasianews.com/perils-raises-auckland-floods-insured-loss-estimate-to-nz2-2bn/ |title=Perils raises Auckland floods insured loss estimate to NZ$2.2bn |work=Insurance Asia News |date=2024-02-02 |access-date=2024-02-04}} The previous costliest weather event in New Zealand history for insurance claims was a hailstorm in Timaru in 2019 that caused NZ$171 million of insurance damage.{{Cite web |title=Cost of natural disasters |url=https://www.icnz.org.nz/industry/cost-of-natural-disasters/ |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=ICNZ {{!}} Insurance Council of New Zealand |language=en-US}} The event also surpassed the total cost of NZ$351 million of weather-related insurance claims in New Zealand during the entirety of 2022, which was previously the highest number in a year ever.{{Cite web |last=Hubbard |first=Catherine |date=2022-12-14 |title=2022: Worst ever year for weather-related claims, insurers say |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/130758054/2022-worst-ever-year-for-weatherrelated-claims-insurers-say |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Stuff |language=en}} Auckland mayor Wayne Brown estimated the cost to recover from the event is about NZ$4 billion (US$2.6 billion).{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=Matthew |date=2023-07-29 |title=Auckland flood recovery could cost $4 billion |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/494740/auckland-flood-recovery-could-cost-4-billion |access-date=2023-07-30 |work=RNZ News |language=en}}

Four people died on 27 January; two drowned in Wairau Valley on the North Shore, one was killed by a slip in Remuera, and one drowned in the Waikato town of Onewhero, with thousands forced to evacuate their homes.{{Cite web |date=28 January 2023 |title=Wild weather: State of emergency in Auckland after widespread rain and flooding |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-flooding-ranui-streets-homes-swamped-motorways-blocked-fenz-nzdf-called-in/3YQ54VEQTJE2HJDRYHLYAYHOTQ/ |access-date=29 January 2023 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} Two children were reported missing in Auckland during the night of Saturday 28 January, and were later found with a woman.{{Cite web |last=Ham |first=Katie |date=2023-01-28 |title=Two children reported missing in Auckland found with a 'woman not known to them' |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/300794632/two-children-reported-missing-in-auckland-found-with-a-woman-not-known-to-them |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

It was expected that hundreds of pets and livestock would need medical care after the Auckland floods. Countless numbers of animals were lost and died in the floods.{{Cite web |last=Schwanecke |first=Gianina |date=2023-01-28 |title=Sheep rescued in kayaks, stray dogs being taken in as Aucklanders refuse to leave animals behind |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/auckland-top-stories/131089077/sheep-rescued-in-kayaks-stray-dogs-being-taken-in-as-aucklanders-refuse-to-leave-animals-behind |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

On Saturday 28 January, severe flooding in the Waitomo District of the Waikato region resulted in many evacuations, particularly around the town of Te Kūiti.

More people had to be evacuated during the second flooding event in Auckland on Wednesday 1 February.

By 11:36{{nbsp}}pm on Friday 27 January, the NZ Transport Agency announced multiple state highway closures in the Auckland region due to slips, flooding, tree clearing, and storm damage, among other damage on local roads and streets controlled by Auckland Transport. State highway closures included:

• SH1 Brynderwyn
• SH12 multiple locations
• SH1 Dome Valley
• SH1 Puhoi
• SH16 between Kumeū and Wellsford
• SH1 Esmonde Road, Takapuna
• SH1 Greville Road, Pinehill
• SH20A Kirkbride Tunnel, Māngere

Multiple other roads were closed in other parts of the island as the rain moved south,{{Cite web |title=Aucklanders issued emergency phone alert for downpours |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/29/aucklanders-issued-emergency-phone-alert-for-downpours/ |access-date=2023-01-29 |website=1 News |language=en}} while roads across Auckland were closed again on Wednesday 1 February after a second flooding event.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-01 |title=Red heavy rain warning lifted for Bay of Plenty |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/01/red-heavy-rain-warning-lifted-for-bay-of-plenty/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=1 News |language=en}} A large slip on SH25A, widely considered to be a lifeline for the Coromandel Peninsula in nearby Waikato Region, caused significant disruption in the area.{{Cite web |last=Rolleston |first=Te Aorewa |date=2023-01-31 |title='A lifeline' - Coromandel locals prepare for the long haul without SH25A |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/300796058/a-lifeline--coromandel-locals-prepare-for-the-long-haul-without-sh25a |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Stuff |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Rolleston |first=Te Aorewa |date=2023-02-02 |title='Massive disruption' around Coromandel's slip-struck SH25A and no timeline for fix - Minister |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300798201/massive-disruption-around-coromandels-slipstruck-sh25a-and-no-timeline-for-fix--minister |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Stuff |language=en}} At 4:49{{nbsp}}pm on 29 January, Auckland Transport reported 45 local roads in the region were closed or had reduced lanes.{{Cite web |title=Teams are working hard across... - Auckland Transport |url=https://www.facebook.com/1643699942625133/posts/teams-are-working-hard-across-auckland-to-clear-roads-damaged-by-slips-and-flood/3367021006959676/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}

Flooding on the evening of 27 January resulted in widespread diversions and cancellations across Auckland's public transport network.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-28 |title=20 buses flood-damaged: AT hails drivers' bravery but refuses to release advice |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/20-auckland-buses-flood-damaged-at-hails-drivers-bravery-refuses-to-say-what-drivers-were-told/F2BWQSYRONEQDCADTL2NID7Y2U/ |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite web |last=L |first=Matt |date=2023-01-30 |title=After the deluge – initial thoughts on the Auckland floods |url=https://www.greaterauckland.org.nz/2023/01/31/after-the-deluge-initial-thoughts-on-the-auckland-floods/ |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=Greater Auckland |language=en-NZ}}

Several in-service buses were flooded on the Northern Busway. The busway later re-opened with speed restrictions and single-lane operations.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-02-01 |title=The clean-up continues across Auckland’s transport network as the sun comes out |url=https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/media-centre/2023-media-releases/the-clean-up-continues-across-auckland-s-transport-network-as-the-sun-comes-out |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=Auckland Transport |language=en-nz}} 20% of bus services were cancelled on the morning of 28 January as a result of driver unavailability and water damage to vehicles due to flooding at depots.{{Cite web |last=Transport |first=Auckland |title=Update on transport network across Auckland after yesterday’s flooding |url=https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/media-centre/2023-media-releases/update-on-transport-network-across-auckland-after-yesterday-s-flooding |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=Auckland Transport |language=en-nz}}

Service on train lines was progressively suspended as slips worsened in several locations from 4pm.{{Cite web |last=Clark-Dow |first=Emma |date=2023-04-14 |title=One night in Auckland: Inside the chaotic (and cancelled) Elton John gig |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/300852769/one-night-in-auckland-inside-the-chaotic-and-cancelled-elton-john-gig |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=Stuff }} Train operations resumed several days later at a reduced frequency with speed restrictions.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-30 |title=Is Auckland ready for another massive downpour on Tuesday? |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/131099327/is-auckland-ready-for-another-massive-downpour-on-tuesday |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Stuff |language=en}} Water was pumped out of Britomart Station and the City Rail Link{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Oliver |title=City Rail Link photo shows extent of Auckland flooding |url=https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/infrastructure/city-rail-link-photo-shows-extent-of-auckland-flooding |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=businessdesk.co.nz |language=en}} over the next several days.{{Cite web |last=Transport |first=Auckland |title=Update on transport network across Auckland after Friday’s flooding |url=https://at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/media-centre/2023-media-releases/update-on-transport-network-across-auckland-after-friday-s-flooding |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=Auckland Transport |language=en-nz}} The second flooding event on 1 February forced all trains on the Western Line to stop running.

Some ferries were cancelled and inner-harbour services slowed as a result of debris in the Waitematā Harbour.

The North Auckland Line was expected to be out of action until at least June.{{cite web |date=2023 |title=New Marsden Point rail link one step closer but costs still not revealed |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/131715621/new-marsden-point-rail-link-one-step-closer-but-costs-still-not-revealed |publisher=Stuff (Fairfax)}} On Sunday 29 January at around 4:30{{nbsp}}am, flooding in the Bay of Plenty region caused a freight train to derail near the town of Te Puke when the weight of the train caused the sodden tracks to collapse.

Auckland Airport suffered severe flooding on its runway and terminal buildings on 27 January.{{Cite news |title=Weather: The worst of Auckland's flooding in pictures, videos after torrential rain |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/01/weather-the-worst-of-auckland-s-flooding-in-pictures-videos-after-torrential-rain.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127094205/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/01/weather-the-worst-of-auckland-s-flooding-in-pictures-videos-after-torrential-rain.html |archive-date=27 January 2023 |access-date=27 January 2023 |work=Newshub |language=en}}

A Qantas flight bound for Sydney with 200 passengers aboard was stuck on the tarmac, unable to move or be evacuated, with all of its occupants having to stay there overnight.{{Cite web |date=28 January 2023 |title=Weather updates: State of emergency declared as severe flooding hits Auckland, Northland |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/483223/weather-updates-state-of-emergency-declared-as-severe-flooding-hits-auckland-northland |access-date=29 January 2023 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} An Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300ER, operating a flight from Melbourne, veered off the runway after landing during the storm and struck several runway edge lights. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) later found that although the severe weather contributed to the runway excursion, the primary cause was a late autopilot disengagement and inadequate manual control during final approach.{{Cite web |date=28 January 2023 |title=Air NZ plane 'lost directional control' on runway amid heavy rain |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/28/air-nz-plane-lost-directional-control-on-runway-amid-heavy-rain/ |access-date=28 January 2023 |website=1 News |language=en-nz}}{{Cite web |title=AO-2023-003 Boeing 777, loss of control on the ground, Auckland International Airport, 27 January 2023 |url=https://www.taic.org.nz/inquiry/ao-2023-003 |access-date=2023-01-28 |website= |publisher=Transport Accident Investigation Commission}} An Emirates flight en route from Dubai and an American Airlines flight from Dallas both turned around and returned to their departure airports.{{cn|date=June 2024}}

On 28 January, the domestic terminal re-opened at noon. The international terminal re-opened on the morning of Sunday 29 January.

On 30 January, more than 25,000 passengers were expected to fly out of Auckland Airport.{{Cite web |title=25,000 passengers expected to fly out of Auckland Airport today |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/30/25000-passengers-expected-to-fly-out-of-auckland-airport-today/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=1 News |language=en}}

At the peak of the event on 27 January, approximately 26,500 homes in Auckland were without power, and by 11:36{{nbsp}}am on Saturday 28 January, 23,000 had had their power restored.{{Cite news |title=As it happened: Auckland flooding - Saturday, January 28 |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/01/weather-live-updates-latest-on-auckland-flooding-saturday-january-28.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127182104/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/01/weather-live-updates-latest-on-auckland-flooding-saturday-january-28.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-29}} As of 12:21{{nbsp}}pm on Sunday 29 January, 700 homes across Auckland were still without power, while residents of western suburbs were left without water after a slip caused 30 metres of pipe to be washed away in Titirangi. Watercare set up tankers for residents without water and all other parts of the city continued to receive tap water that was safe to drink.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-28 |title=Auckland floods: Some residents in West Auckland still without water |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300794396/auckland-floods-some-residents-in-west-auckland-still-without-water |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Stuff |language=en}} The second flooding event on 1 February resulted in 3,000 homes losing power. Northpower reported that 500 of their customers had experienced power cuts, and the Northland town of Waipu experienced a power outage.

Four of Auckland's sewage pumping stations were flooded during the events of 27 January, rendering the stations inoperable and causing wastewater spillage into Waitematā Harbour.

File:Lake formed from floodwaters on top of cricket pitches in Pukekawa Auckland Domain from Carlton Gore Road.jpg, adjacent to the Auckland War Memorial Museum]]

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/elton-john-devastated-as-second-show-cancelled-what-ticketholders-need-to-know/BLHOUQBXUNB4PFQGEBNIQVI7AU/|title=Laneway, Elton John cancelled: What you need to know|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=28 January 2023}} and several chain-owned supermarkets were closed due to extreme flooding on 28 January.{{cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/three-auckland-supermarkets-remain-closed-following-deluge-of-downpours-foodstuffs-urges-customers-to-only-buy-what-they-need/4DHCIOBHWVDTDCRQYK6O5MP56M/|title=Three Auckland supermarkets remain closed following deluge of downpours, Foodstuffs urges customers to only buy what they need|newspaper=The New Zealand Herald |date=29 January 2023}} The Auckland War Memorial Museum was closed on 28 January,{{cite news|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/483242/what-you-need-to-know-auckland-flooding-where-to-get-help-what-to-do|title=What you need to know: Auckland flooding - where to get help, what to do|publisher=Radio New Zealand |date=28 January 2023}} and a lake formed in the lower elevation area of Pukekawa / Auckland Domain that was once a wetland.{{Cite web |last=Silva |first=Tommy de |date=2023-02-08 |title=Auckland's ferocious floods took the city back in time |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/society/08-02-2023/aucklands-ferocious-floods-took-the-city-back-in-time |access-date=2023-02-10 |website=The Spinoff |language=en}} The basement of the Auckland Art Gallery flooded, requiring 300 artworks to be relocated and assessed by a team of 30.{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Sophie |date=2023-01-29 |title=Hundreds of artworks rescued from Auckland Art Gallery after basement floods |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300794721/hundreds-of-artworks-rescued-from-auckland-art-gallery-after-basement-floods |access-date=2023-01-29 |website=Stuff |language=en}} Auckland Zoo was also affected and major flooding occurred in lower-lying areas, after animals like American alligators, bearded dragons and skinks had to be evacuated to higher ground; a kōtare and a zebra finch died, and their bodies were recovered.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-29 |title=Bearded dragons, alligators and skinks evacuated as Auckland Zoo flooded |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300795177/bearded-dragons-alligators-and-skinks-evacuated-as-auckland-zoo-flooded |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

The Glenbrook Vintage Railway was also temporarily closed due to flooding damage, while in Northland the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway was temporarily closed due to flood and rain risks.

AA Insurance have also reported claims over NZ$10 million worth of luxury vehicles were "written off" after floodwaters ravaged a North Shore dealership during the floods, leaving at least 50 vehicles seriously damaged. Cars including Volvos, Range Rovers, Jaguars, and others were impacted.{{Cite web |title=Up to $10m worth of luxury cars 'written off' |url=https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/auckland/auckland-flood-up-to-10m-worth-of-luxury-cars-written-off-as-north-shore-dealership-flooded/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Newstalk ZB |language=en-nz}}

On Monday 30 January, The Ministry of Education had advised all 557 schools, numerous universities, polytechs and early childhood care centres across the Auckland Region to be closed until Tuesday 7 February for further damage assessment.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-30 |title=Auckland weather: All schools, early childhood centres and tertiaries to shut for a week |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/483340/auckland-weather-all-schools-early-childhood-centres-and-tertiaries-to-shut-for-a-week |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}{{Cite web |title=Schools in New Zealand by region |url=https://figure.nz/chart/saoJkKqFYUFIMu8O |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Figure.NZ |language=en-nz}} Later, this decision was revised and education centres were allowed to reopen on Thursday 2 February.

File:Eden Park Underwater 2023.jpg on 1 February]]

Many events which had been planned for the holiday weekend were cancelled. Elton John shows on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 January, as well as the Laneway Festival on Monday 30 January, all in Auckland, were all cancelled due to the flooding and safety concerns, as were some sports events at Eden Park. The Friday night Elton John concert, which 40,000 people were expected to attend, was cancelled shortly before it was due to begin, after 11,000 concert-goers had already arrived.{{Cite news |date=2023-01-27 |title=Elton John Auckland concert canceled due to wild weather |url=https://nypost.com/2023/01/27/elton-john-auckland-concert-canceled-due-to-wild-weather/ |newspaper=New York Post |agency=Associated Press |access-date=2023-01-29 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-01-28 |title=Auckland flooding: Elton John 'heartbroken' concerts cancelled |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/483236/auckland-flooding-elton-john-heartbroken-concerts-cancelled |access-date=2023-01-29 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} Some people ran into difficulty in floodwaters during the commute home.{{Cite web |title=Fan describes flooded bus ride after canned Elton John concert |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/29/fan-describes-flooded-bus-ride-after-canned-elton-john-concert/ |access-date=2023-01-29 |website=1 News |language=en}} The weekend's One Love Festival in the city of Tauranga, and the Festival One in Karapiro, Waikato, were also cancelled because of safety concerns and logistics from heavy rain.{{Cite web |last=Mahon-Heap |first=Jonny |date=2023-01-27 |title=One Love Festival and Festival One both cancelled by organisers |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300794364/one-love-festival-and-festival-one-both-cancelled-by-organisers |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Stuff |language=en}} The Auckland Lantern Festival, scheduled to run from Thursday 2 February to Sunday 5 February in Auckland, was also cancelled for the fourth year in a row.{{Cite web |title='We are gutted': Auckland Lantern Festival cancelled for fourth year in a row |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-floods-auckland-lantern-festival-cancelled-for-fourth-year-in-a-row/OARAF6KDHRG23PKRMP677Y6XX4/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} A Fatboy Slim show scheduled for Saturday 28 January in Napier was cancelled,{{Cite web |title=Fatboy Slim to perform in Auckland tomorrow, Napier show cancelled |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/fatboy-slims-napier-concert-cancelled-auckland-show-in-doubt-amid-flooding/DGDN5GRETFBJTL42R2CK3RFEGU/ |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} while his show scheduled for Tuesday 31 January on Waiheke Island was postponed until Thursday 2 February.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-30 |title=Live: Red heavy rain warnings for Northland, parts of Auckland and Coromandel |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/300794840/live-red-heavy-rain-warnings-for-northland-parts-of-auckland-and-coromandel |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Stuff |language=en}} His headlining act at the Gardens Music Festival on 29 January was relocated to Spark Arena.

After suffering repeated flooding events in August 2021, March 2022, January 2023, and later February and May 2023, a widespread sense of collective trauma emerged across the Auckland region. The scale and frequency of such events traumatised a large population of people at around the same time, with many facing a sense of stress, anxiety, and helplessness.{{Cite web |title=Cyclone Gabrielle: Aucklanders facing 'collective trauma, 'helplessness' urged to seek professional help |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/cyclone-gabrielle-aucklanders-facing-collective-trauma-and-sense-of-helplessness-urged-to-seek-professional-help-if-they-need-it/3QTMSTPZ5JA77HLUBUYNAPK4UA/ |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} Residents who had been flooded multiple times reported feeling symptoms of PTSD during periods of rain, including not being able to sleep at night in anticipation of the following day's weather forecast.{{Cite web |last=Waiwiri-Smith |first=Lyric |date=2023-05-09 |title=When the rain falling is a trigger you can't escape |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/wellbeing/300874148/when-the-rain-falling-is-a-trigger-you-cant-escape |access-date=2023-05-09 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

Mayor Wayne Brown declared a state of regional emergency in Auckland at about 9:30{{nbsp}}pm local time on Friday 27 January, which was made public at 10:22{{nbsp}}pm.{{Cite web |title=Auckland declares state of local emergency |url=https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/01/27-jan-2023-auckland-declares-state-of-local-emergency/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=OurAuckland |publisher=Auckland Council |language=en}} It was the first time a state of regional emergency has been declared in Auckland since the current system was introduced in 2002.{{Cite web |title=Declared States of Emergency |url=https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/resources/previous-emergencies/declared-states-of-emergency/ |access-date=2023-01-29 |website=www.civildefence.govt.nz |language=en}} The National Emergency Management Agency issued instructions for Aucklanders to only call 111 if life is in imminent danger, as Fire and Emergency New Zealand received over 1,500 calls within three hours in the evening.

From 9:56{{nbsp}}pm on 27 January, Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) opened Civil Defence Centres to assist displaced people and those needing assistance, first in Kelston, then Wairau Valley and South Auckland, then Māngere East and Māngere Bridge, then Albany. The Government provided NZ$1,100,000 to the city of Auckland via the Mayoral Relief Fund to assist with the recovery after the floods, surpassing the previous highest ever total of NZ$300,000 given to Nelson after floods there in August 2022,{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Government Boosts Fund For Auckland Flooding {{!}} Scoop News |url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA2301/S00085/government-boosts-fund-for-auckland-flooding.htm |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=www.scoop.co.nz}} as well as providing an additional NZ$700,000 to areas across the whole of the North Island.{{Cite web |title=PM unveils extra $700,000 for storm-struck regions; 'good meeting' with Mayor Brown |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/auckland-weather-flood-clean-up-live-prime-minister-chris-hipkins-speaks-after-meeting-with-flood-hit-businesses/TKZIH57FB5DDBMU5SDEOKOIT4U/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} The New Zealand Defence Force provided assistance in the flood recovery and clean-up,{{Cite web |title=Defence Force aids Auckland in flood emergency |url=https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/news/defence-force-aids-auckland-in-flood-emergency/ |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=www.nzdf.mil.nz |language=en-NZ}} as did the Student Volunteer Army and the Red Cross.{{Cite web |title=Auckland floods clean-up: Volunteers gather to help out |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/05/auckland-floods-clean-up-volunteers-gather-to-help-out/ |access-date=2023-02-04 |website=1 News |language=en}}

On Saturday 28 January, a state of local emergency was declared in the Waitomo District in the Waikato region after significant flooding, which was rescinded on Monday 30 January, while on Friday 3 February, a state of local emergency was declared in the Thames-Coromandel District in response to slips in the area blocking crucial roads and isolating communities.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-03 |title=State of emergency declared in Thames-Coromandel in wake of storm |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/300799264/state-of-emergency-declared-in-thamescoromandel-in-wake-of-storm |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

On Thursday 9 February, the states of emergency in place in Auckland and the Coromandel were extended in anticipation of Cyclone Gabrielle impacting the country.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-09 |title=Auckland state of emergency extended ahead of Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/483958/auckland-state-of-emergency-extended-ahead-of-tropical-cyclone-gabrielle |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}}{{Cite web |last=Rolleston |first=Te Aorewa |date=2023-02-09 |title=Coromandel extends state of emergency as Cyclone Gabrielle approaches |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/weather-news/300802857/coromandel-extends-state-of-emergency-as-cyclone-gabrielle-approaches |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

On 14 May, the New Zealand Government allocated NZ$941 million from the 2023 New Zealand budget to address flood and cyclone damage caused by both the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in the North Island. Of this amount, NZ$275 million would be allocated to NZ Transport Agency and local councils to repairing damaged roads, NZ$200 million to repairing railways, NZ$117 million to repairing damaged schools, and NZ$35 million to covering various health services including mental health, general practitioners and frontline health workers.{{cite news |title=Flood, cyclone recovery: Govt to spend $1b on education, transport projects, mental health |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/489866/flood-cyclone-recovery-govt-to-spend-1b-on-education-transport-projects-mental-health |access-date=17 May 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=14 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514090610/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/489866/flood-cyclone-recovery-govt-to-spend-1b-on-education-transport-projects-mental-health |archive-date=14 May 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Dexter |first1=Giles |title=Government's cyclone recovery package: 'It will be a journey' - Councils, opposition react |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/489902/government-s-cyclone-recovery-package-it-will-be-a-journey-councils-opposition-react |access-date=17 May 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515020923/https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/489902/government-s-cyclone-recovery-package-it-will-be-a-journey-councils-opposition-react |archive-date=15 May 2023|url-status=live}} The New Zealand Treasury estimated that the total damage from both the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle to be between NZ$9 billion to $14.5 billion; with NZ$5 to $7.5 billion being related to infrastructure owned by central and local government.

File:01.02.23 - Charles R.jpg to those affected by the flooding and severe weather in the North Island in January 2023]]

On 28 January, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty departed Wellington for Auckland for a daylong visit, landing in Whenuapai shortly after 1:00{{nbsp}}pm. They then received a briefing from emergency services, visited some affected communities in West Auckland, and assessed the damage from a helicopter.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-28 |title=Auckland flooding updates: Day two |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/483231/auckland-flooding-updates-day-two |access-date=2023-01-29 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} Hipkins toured damaged areas of the city again on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 February.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-01 |title="Kiwis are getting quite good at this": Hipkins tours a water-logged Auckland |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/page/kiwis-are-getting-quite-good-at-this-hipkins-tours-a-water-logged-auckland |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Newsroom |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |title='Further bad weather' on the way for Auckland |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/02/live-further-bad-weather-today-and-tomorrow-for-auckland/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=1 News |language=en}}

File:NZ PM after North Island Floods.jpg being briefed on the floods by Civil Defence]]

On 30 January, Chris Hipkins and Wayne Brown both stated in separate statements to media that the event is the result of climate change.{{Cite web |title=Full video: Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown speaks to media |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/30/live-stream-auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-speaks-to-media/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=1 News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title='Another bout' of heavy rain looms for upper North Island |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/30/live-auckland-schools-to-shut-as-more-heavy-rain-looms/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=1 News |language=en}}

On Tuesday 31 January, Hipkins, who only became Prime Minister two days before the flooding began, revealed a new Labour Party caucus. Part of the new caucus was the revival of the role of Minister for Auckland, partly in response to the flooding in the city. Michael Wood was given the role.{{Cite web |last=McConnell |first=Glenn |date=2023-01-31 |title=The minister for Auckland: Michael Wood's surprise new role |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131111844/the-minister-for-auckland-michael-woods-surprise-new-role |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

On Thursday 2 February,{{efn|1 February in the United Kingdom}} New Zealand's head of state King Charles III sent his condolences to the victims of the floods.{{Cite web |title=King Charles says thoughts are with Kiwis hit by flooding |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/02/king-charles-says-thoughts-are-with-kiwis-hit-by-flooding/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=1 News |language=en}}

Brown declared a state of emergency immediately after the AEM advised him to do so, hours after the extreme weather began, but was widely criticised for his response, which was said to show hesitation and a lack of presence.{{Cite web |title='Distasteful': Wayne Brown defends Auckland response, offends Wellington mayor over quake comment |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wayne-brown-defends-auckland-flood-response-takes-swipe-at-wellington/WNI64FJHSVEORL6NHFAJ66B2UA/ |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}{{Cite news |title=Auckland flooding disaster: Mayor Wayne Brown under fire for late response to extreme weather |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/01/auckland-flooding-disaster-mayor-wayne-brown-under-fire-for-late-response-to-extreme-weather.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128013412/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/01/auckland-flooding-disaster-mayor-wayne-brown-under-fire-for-late-response-to-extreme-weather.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-28}} When questioned on the poor level of preparedness on RNZ by Kim Hill, in a rare public interview, he was unable to confirm whether or not text alerts had been sent out to Aucklanders (which Hill had to clarify to him that they had not been) or if tap water was safe to consume. He then claimed it was "a bit early" and "not helpful" to ask if the floods were caused by climate change.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-28 |title=Mayor Wayne Brown on the Auckland Floods |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/2018875466/mayor-wayne-brown-on-the-auckland-floods |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=RNZ |language=en-nz}} When she asked if his administration's "level of inability to cope was terrifying" he answered "it's definitely worrying. But this is an unprecedented event. It will be interesting to see just how well prepared Wellington is when the earthquake strikes." Wellington as a city is extremely vulnerable to earthquakes; this prompted condemnation for his mocking remarks. Hill challenged him for what she described as "a low blow under the circumstances."{{Cite web |last=Manhire |first=Toby |date=2023-01-28 |title='Will be interesting to see how well prepared Wellington is when the earthquake strikes' – Wayne Brown |url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/live-updates/28-01-2023/it-will-be-interesting-to-see-just-how-well-prepared-wellington-is-when-the-earthquake-strikes-wayne-brown |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=The Spinoff |language=en}} He then stated that the delay in declaring an emergency was due to how busy Fire and Emergency workers were, and not something he was responsible for. Brown expressed frustration at fellow officials, accusing them of not providing information to him in a timely manner.{{Cite web |title='Don't f**k me over' - Wayne Brown's 30min phone call with the Herald |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wayne-brown-interview-i-was-kept-waiting-while-auckland-flooded-and-why-the-media-are-drongos/SO342GURFJDEFHTBXWXE5BIMQY/ |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}}

At 3:30{{nbsp}}pm on Saturday 28 January, Chris Hipkins and Wayne Brown attended a press conference in West Auckland. Brown was criticised for his performance during the conference as he defended his response to the floods.{{Cite web |last=Niall |first=Todd |date=2023-01-28 |title=Analysis: Wayne Brown appears to have missed what a mayor's job is in a crisis |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300794530/analysis-wayne-brown-appears-to-have-missed-what-a-mayors-job-is-in-a-crisis |access-date=2023-01-28 |website=Stuff |language=en}} National Party MP Gerry Brownlee, who led the Government's response to the earthquakes in Canterbury, Christchurch, and Kaikōura, accused Brown of "washing his hands" of any responsibility, and said that his response to the event was "somewhat inexplicable".{{Cite web |last=Manch |first=Thomas |date=2023-01-30 |title=National Party MP Gerry Brownlee scathing of Auckland mayor Wayne Brown |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/131103365/national-party-mp-gerry-brownlee-scathing-of-auckland-mayor-wayne-brown |access-date=2023-01-31 |website=Stuff |language=en}} On 30 January, Brown announced an inquiry will take place into the response from both him and his office in the first 24 to 48 hours of the event.

Following the event, there were calls from the public for Wayne Brown to resign as Mayor of Auckland, with a petition for his resignation being set up on Change.org.{{Cite news |title=Auckland floods: Petition set up to remove Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown over 'unacceptable lack of leadership' |language=en |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/01/auckland-floods-petition-set-up-to-remove-auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-over-unacceptable-lack-of-leadership.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129004748/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2023/01/auckland-floods-petition-set-up-to-remove-auckland-mayor-wayne-brown-over-unacceptable-lack-of-leadership.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 January 2023 |access-date=2023-01-31}}

On Tuesday 31 January, leaked text messages between Brown and a tennis-based WhatsApp group chat were reported on by the NZ Herald, where he complained on 28 January that "I’ve got to deal with media drongos over the flooding tomorrow so sadly no tennis for me tomorrow."{{Cite web |title=Mayor's text to tennis mates - can't play because have 'to deal with media drongos over the flooding' |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wayne-browns-text-to-tennis-mates-cant-play-because-have-to-deal-with-media-drongos-over-the-flooding/6UI5RZNTRJC5NF67SWMIRL2HUI/ |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en-NZ}} On Wednesday 1 February, the NZ Herald reported on a phone call which occurred between Brown and a Herald reporter on 30 January, where Brown exclaimed "Don't fuck me over" and "I am the mayor for three years. You can’t do anything about that." Brown expressed that he felt misunderstood, and complained about the lack of media coverage of his generally unannounced visits to impacted areas, while also later expressing regret at the leaked conversations, and admitted he needs to improve his communication.{{Cite web |title=Wayne Brown regrets 'drongos' text, says communication needs to improve |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/02/02/wayne-brown-regrets-drongos-text-says-communication-needs-to-improve/ |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=1 News |language=en}}

Transport agency Waka Kotahi was criticised after staff responsible for providing updates during the event clocked off for the holiday weekend at 7:30 pm on 27 January while many roads across Auckland were flooding.{{Cite web |last=Killick |first=Jonathan |date=2023-01-30 |title=Waka Kotahi apologises after staff clocked off for the weekend during disaster |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300795396/waka-kotahi-apologises-after-staff-clocked-off-for-the-weekend-during-disaster |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Stuff |language=en}} They resumed updates at 10:30 pm after being instructed to by Minister of Transport Michael Wood.{{Cite web |last=Dennett |first=Kelly |date=2023-01-28 |title=Countdown to Chaos: As Aucklanders were desperately seeking safety, officials were silent |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/300794503/countdown-to-chaos-as-aucklanders-were-desperately-seeking-safety-officials-were-silent |access-date=2023-01-30 |website=Stuff |language=en}} Waka Kotahi apologised on Monday 30 January.

Auckland Transport was criticised after they issued 259 infringements over the weekend after the floods on Friday 27 January, issuing fines for various issues such as parking violations and expired WoFs. After the agency's chief executive was spoken to by Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson, group manager of parking services and compliance John Strawbridge said all fines issued between 2:00 pm on Friday and 9:00 am on Wednesday 1 February would be waived.{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=Caroline |date=2023-02-01 |title=Auckland Transport backpedals on fines after ticketing cars in flooded areas |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/traffic-updates/300795866/auckland-transport-backpedals-on-fines-after-ticketing-cars-in-flooded-areas |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Stuff |language=en}}

The Civil Defence emergency alert text messages were sent to Aucklanders about the rain 48 hours after the city was hit by the devastating floods. National Emergency Management Agency, which is a Government agency, received criticism for the 48 hour delay, as the flooding first struck on the evening of 27 January and the alerts were sent out at 7:47 pm on 29 January.{{cite news |date=28 January 2023 |title=No Civil Defence text for Auckland floods |work=1News |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/28/no-civil-defence-text-for-auckland-floods-mayor-defends-response/ |access-date=30 January 2023}}

The event sparked discussions about the many natural rivers and wetlands across Auckland city that had been paved over with largely waterproof chipseal during development, with calls being made to daylight Auckland's streams and rivers in order to better cope with heavy rainfall events.{{Cite web |title=Auckland's rivers and wetlands were paved over. Now we are paying for it |url=https://www.renews.co.nz/aucklands-rivers-and-wetlands-were-paved-over-now-we-are-paying-for-it/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=Re |language=en-US}}

In response to the North Island floods, several West Auckland residents established an advocacy organisation called "West Auckland is Flooding" (WAIF) in February 2023 to lobby the Auckland Council and New Zealand Government to implement a scheme to relocate people from at-risk properties using insurance payouts and public funding. The group's formation was in response to hundreds of homes in West Auckland being yellow and red-stickered, rendering them uninhabitable as a result of flood damage. The group's chairman Lyall Carter said that many of its members' homes had experienced flooding in both 2021 and January 2023. Following Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023, Labour Member of Parliament and former cabinet minister Phil Twyford called on the Government to buy out flood damaged homes in the Te Atatū on the grounds that frequent flooding made it "irresponsible and impractical" to rebuild.{{cite news |last1=Plummer |first1=Benjamin |last2=Franks |first2=Raphael |title=Managed retreat: West Auckland residents call for voluntary buyouts after repeat flooding |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/managed-retreat-west-auckland-residents-call-voluntary-buyouts-after-repeat-flooding/QO3TADZMDBFKJN4VBSLGLAYQRQ/ |access-date=2 March 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=24 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228000243/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/managed-retreat-west-auckland-residents-call-voluntary-buyouts-after-repeat-flooding/QO3TADZMDBFKJN4VBSLGLAYQRQ/ |archive-date=28 February 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Milne |first1=Jonathan |title=Homeless flood victims plead for urgent Govt help to retreat from devastated houses |url=https://www.newsroom.co.nz/homeless-flood-victims-plead-for-urgent-govt-help-to-retreat-from-devastated-houses |access-date=2 March 2023 |work=Newsroom |date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301064512/https://www.newsroom.co.nz/homeless-flood-victims-plead-for-urgent-govt-help-to-retreat-from-devastated-houses |archive-date=1 March 2023|url-status=live}}

In February 2023, the Government confirmed that it was designing a managed retreat strategy for those who lost their homes as a result of the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. The Government also indicated that it would incorporate managed retreat into its Climate Change Adaptation Bill. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins also confirmed that he would meet with Climate Change Minister James Shaw to incorporate climate change adaptation into disaster responses.{{cite news |last1=Shepherd |first1=Simon |title=Full Interview: Climate Minister James Shaw discusses managed retreat with Newshub Nation |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/shows/2023/02/full-interview-climate-minister-james-shaw-discusses-managed-retreat-with-newshub-nation.html |access-date=2 March 2023 |work=Newshub |date=18 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228105137/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/shows/2023/02/full-interview-climate-minister-james-shaw-discusses-managed-retreat-with-newshub-nation.html |archive-date=28 February 2023|url-status=dead}}

In early October 2023, the Auckland Council voted unanimously to accept a proposed cost sharing arrangement with the Government to fund over NZ$2 billion in flood recovery and resilience works. This deals including buying out hundreds of "category 3" flood-damaged properties.{{cite news |last1=Almeida |first1=Rayssa |title=Auckland Anniversary flood damage: Homeowners to get payouts |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/499598/auckland-anniversary-flood-damage-homeowners-to-get-payouts |access-date=6 October 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=6 October 2023}}

On 12 April 2023, Bush International Consulting released its independent review into the Auckland Council's emergency management system during the floods. The review had been commissioned by Mayor Brown to examine the responses of all parties, including himself, professionals, and the Government to the floods. The review was led by former Police Commissioner Mike Bush. It found that the council's emergency management system was unprepared for the floods, that Council staff were aware of gaps in preparing for superstorm emergencies but had failed to act, that communications and relationships between key Council and civil defence policy-makers were "insufficiently inclusive" in critical early stages, a failure of leadership among Council and civil defence senior leaders, and that a centralised planning and delivery model weakened local knowledge that would have better supported local communities. The Bush review covered the 48-hour period from January 27 but focused on the first 12 hours of the emergency response. It made 17 recommendations to the council for future extreme weather events, including proposing a separate review into Auckland Emergency Management's prevention, preparedness and planning, the development of new standard operating procedures for extreme weather events in Auckland, better training and resources for emergency management personnel, and more frequent emergency management training exercises. Brown accepted the recommendations of the Bush Report and stated that he had "dropped the ball" during the events of 27 January 2023.{{cite news |title=Auckland floods: Damning report finds officials acted 'too late' |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/04/12/auckland-floods-damning-report-finds-officials-acted-too-late/ |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=1News |publisher=TVNZ |date=12 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412080014/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/04/12/auckland-floods-damning-report-finds-officials-acted-too-late/ |archive-date=12 April 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Orsman |first1=Bernard |last2=Dillane |first2=Tom |title=Auckland floods: Mayor Wayne Brown, council leaders and emergency management systems criticised in report into deadly January 27 disaster |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-floods-mayor-wayne-brown-council-leaders-and-emergency-management-systems-criticised-in-report-into-january-27-deadly-floods/PCT2VZHB2FGP5HEG2JIZ2W4YFA/ |access-date=13 April 2023 |work=The New Zealand Herald |date=12 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412090038/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-floods-mayor-wayne-brown-council-leaders-and-emergency-management-systems-criticised-in-report-into-january-27-deadly-floods/PCT2VZHB2FGP5HEG2JIZ2W4YFA/ |archive-date=12 April 2023|url-status=live}}

• 2021 central New Zealand floods
• 2023 in New Zealand
• Cyclone Gabrielle
• List of natural disasters in New Zealand
• List of disasters in New Zealand by death toll

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2023 floods

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