AM host Ryan Bridge got a first-hand look at how Napier is rallying together as they deal with the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.
The east coast of the North Island has been one of the hardest hit areas, with work underway to get communication, food and water supplies to communities that have been completely cut off.
Bridge talked to locals and volunteers in the Mclean Park evacuation centre, discovering local supermarkets, restaurants and even multinational fast food chains Burger King and Carls Junior are providing food for evacuees.
"These are people from all walks of life, there are RSE workers there who were working at orchards when the cyclone hit. People evacuated from a rest home are here as well," Bridge said.
Bridge said around 350 people were staying at the evacuation centre overnight while others slept in their cars.
Radio and cellular communication is still limited in Napier with some residents not able to make contact with friends and family outside of the region.
"Hi family, we are doing pretty well over here, even though it's raining and it's flooding but we are doing ok," one person told Bridge.
Another person told Bridge, "I'd like to say hello to my sister in Auckland, tell her I'm doing well".
The Government said on Wednesday 9000 people are displaced in Hawke's Bay alone, with Energy Minister Meghan Wood saying there are 60,000 households without power.
Watch the full video above.
