The state of national emergency has been extended for Tairāwhiti and Hawke's Bay.
It was originally declared on February 14 to assist in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle. Now it's been extended for another seven days to manage the continuing impacts in those areas.
Minister for Emergency Management Kieran McAnulty said the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle is still being felt by many communities and thousands of people are yet to return home due to flood damage.
"While together we've made some serious progress, the mahi is ongoing and there are still major road access issues for some communities," he said.
"We need to keep coordinating this response at a national level in these areas to ensure we are properly supporting the Tairāwhiti and Hawke's Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups, and coordinating the personnel and equipment needed to transport essential supplies into the affected areas."
McAnulty also intends to include Wairarapa in a national transition period, after consultation with local councils. He said the national transition period enables remedial works to be carried out, for example, to restore access to cut-off properties or make temporary infrastructure repairs.
"This has been a real team effort and it's been heartening to see people from across the country come together and support these communities in their time of need," McAnulty said.
"I want to thank everyone who has picked up a shovel to help a mate or even someone they didn't know, those that opened their home to someone in need, or who has volunteered their time and skills to help these communities. Kia kaha."
A total 11 people died during Cyclone Gabrielle. Police named five of them on Sunday as 58-year-old Shona Leslie Wilson, 86-year-old Helen Street, 65-year-old George Charles Luke, 76-year-old Ian McKenzie McLauchlan, and 43-year-old Brendan Lewis Miller.
