Cyclone Gabrielle: Everyone uncontactable following cyclone now accounted for

By RNZ

There are now no uncontactable reports left to follow up from Cyclone Gabrielle, with everyone reported being accounted for.

Police said hundreds of staff across the country worked to contact and locate more than 6000 people previously on the list, with the vast majority from Hawke's Bay and Tai Rāwhiti.

"We would like to thank the community for their patience while police worked through the list of uncontactable people and made enquiries to ensure they were safe."

Police said they also wanted to pass on their condolences to loved one of those who died and were affected.

The death toll from the cyclone stands at 11; nine of those were from the Eastern district, and two were from Waitematā.

However, Gisborne local Joseph Ahuriri is still missing. He was reported as missing around the time of the weather event, but police believed it was not related.

"We are still appealing for anyone with information on Joseph's whereabouts to contact police immediately," police said in a statement.

"Joseph was last seen on CCTV on the morning of 14 February in Havelock North, heading south. He was driving a white Toyota Hilux, registration DZH116.

"Police, along with his whānau, want to know where he is and that he is safe."

Anyone with information can contact police on 105, or via the website using 'Update Report' and quote file number 230225/2804.

RNZ