On the 14th of February 2023, the NZ government declared a national State of Emergency in New Zealand to assist in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle. This is only the third time in New Zealand history that a national State of Emergency has been declared. Tairawhiti, Napier and parts of Hawkes Bay have been among the worst affected towns with Transpower saying it has declared a grid emergency given the loss of power in both regions.
A body has been found washed up on a Hawke’s Bay beach this evening.
Police confirmed a person was found on Bay View Beach, north of Napier, about 7.45pm.