16th February, 2023
Cyclone Gabrielle Announcement:
We want to inform you that a National State of Emergency was declared on the 14th of February, as Cyclone Gabrielle continues to travel across New Zealand and impact further regions. As a result, New Zealand has experienced additional road closures, power cuts, and communication outages, with access to some communities wholly cut off.
KiwiRail has confirmed that the rail network north of Marton will remain closed until further inspections are completed. With Cyclone Gabrielle moving further south, the Main North Line between Picton and Christchurch was also closed yesterday.
Depending on weather conditions, Cook Straight Ferry Services are scheduled to resume on the 15th of February.
The roads throughout the North Island have been greatly affected by wind and heavy rain over the past few days. In addition, the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne Tairāwhiti regions currently lack power and communication connections, while roads into both areas are also closed.
Freight Services to Gisborne, Hastings, Coromandel, Napier Northland, and Whakatane have been ceased until the weather and access improves.
Auckland Port has advised that normal operations will resume this morning at 7:00 am (15/2). Vessels are expected to commence moving into Ports of Auckland from the 14th of February at 7:00 pm. Please allow for congestion and delays on container bookings, as the backlog from previous days is worked through.
Empty container depots across Auckland have re-opened where it is safe. However, all locations will monitor wind speeds, and these parks may close at short notice.
Air New Zealand’s International and Domestic Terminals have re-opened and are receiving both Import and Export cargo. However, there are strong gusts at Auckland Airport, impacting flight schedules.
The effects of Cyclone Gabrielle continue to change by the hour. Gava Australia will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
