Rubbish collection across Auckland has been cancelled for Monday and Tuesday as Cyclone Gabrielle smashes into the country.
The massive storm is causing severe rain and gales along with large waves and flooding in coastal areas.
MetService has issued 27 weather warnings and watches across New Zealand including a red heavy rain warning for Gisborne, the Coromandel Peninsula, Auckland and Northland.
A red strong wind warning is also in place for Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Auckland Emergency Management said as a result of the storm all kerbside rubbish collection has been cancelled for Monday and Tuesday.
"We've been working to get this message out to as many people as possible. Some people might still miss it though. Please let your neighbours know if you still see wheelie bins on their kerbside, or help to bring them in," AEM tweeted.
Auckland Emergency Management deputy controller Rachel Kelleher told media on Sunday the aim is for kerbside collections to return on Wednesday.
Kelleher said for people who missed out, their rubbish will be collected at the next planned date.
"We are hoping to be able to resume kerbside collections from Wednesday but obviously, we will need to assess that as we look at what is happening over the next few days.
"For people that miss out on Monday or Tuesday… your normal collection will happen at its next planned date but if you need to get rid of rubbish in the intervening time it can be taken to one of the transfer stations free of charge," she said.
Kelleher also warned Cyclone Gabrielle is a significant weather event that could cause widespread destruction.
She urged people in affected areas to take it seriously and prepare.
Official Government advice:
- Cyclone Gabrielle will impact much of the North Island with severe gales, heavy rain and very large waves forecast from Monday through to Tuesday
- This is expected to be an unprecedented and dangerous weather event
- MetService has issued severe weather warnings for many parts of the North Island
- Keep up to date with MetService weather warnings and advice from your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
- Adhere to all advice and instructions from authorities
- Cyclone Gabrielle will also exacerbate the impacts for those communities recovering from recent floods
- Avoid travelling during severe weather and check Waka Kotahi for road closures
- Do what you can to prepare your household for the coming days.
- Information about preparing for storms can be found at getready.govt.nz
- Call 111 if you feel in any danger
- Stay safe. Don't take any chances.
