Severe rainfall causes flooding in Auckland, around 60 homes evacuated
Aucklanders are being forced to evacuate their homes after severe rainfall overnight caused localised flooding.
Around 50 to 60 homes have been evacuated and an emergency shelter has been set up at 6 Henderson Valley Road.
West Auckland has been hit the worst with flooding in Helensville, Kumeu, Henderson Valley and Rānui.
Firefighters received around 170 weather related calls overnight.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said evacuation advice overrides Covid-19 restrictions.
Auckland’s two vaccination centres at the Trusts Arena and the Airport have been damaged and will not open until 11am.
SH16 through Kumeu is closed due to flooding between Matua Road and Riverhead Road, and Waka Kotahi has reports of fallen trees and slips across the wider network.
MetService said heavy rain is expected to continue throughout Tuesday.
Neighbourly spokesperson Sarah Moore encourages people to check in on their neighbours - especially if they’re elderly or alone.
“But ensure you're abiding by Level 4 rules consider emailing, texting or using Neighbourly to send a message. Even if they're doing well, the connection will mean a lot,” she said.
“When there's a break in the weather carefully head outside to check whether anything is blocking your drains or has come loose in a storm. Don't rush - things could be slippery. If you do notice damage make sure you take photos in case you need to lodge an insurance claim.”
What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
Poll: Does grocery bagging affect where you shop?
There's only a few differences between our larger chain supermarkets here in New Zealand. Having someone bag your groceries is one of them.
Does having your groceries packed for you at the checkout influence where you do your grocery shop? If so, tell us why.
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23.7% Yes
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75.5% No
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0.7% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.