More than 200 Defence Force personnel have been deployed to help with the response to ex-tropical cyclone Gabrielle.
Dubbed Operation Awhina, members of the Navy, Army and Air Force have been sent across the country to the most affected towns and regions.
Three helicopters were sent to the Esk Valley in Hawke's Bay to help with evacuations yesterday, while Unimog's have been sent to Whangarei to assist people in Northland.
Commander of the joint forces Rear Admiral Jim Gilmour spoke to Kim Hill.
