Cyclone Gabrielle: Shoppers queue up before storm

Shoppers are being urged to only buy what they need ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle as heavy queues have mobbed centres today.

Supermarkets in Auckland are closely monitoring the situation around Cyclone Gabrielle as shoppers flock to stores for supplies.

Long queues have been reported at Pak'N'Save stores in the suburbs of Glenfield, Royal Oak and Silverdale.

Other supermarkets in the central city have reportedly sold out of batteries and bottled water earlier this afternoon.

A Countdown spokesperson urged people to only buy what they need.

"We know it's a worrying time for many, and while customers prepare for Cyclone Gabrielle, we do ask that Kiwis please be mindful of others and only buy what they need.

"We've been preparing for the arrival of the cyclone and continue to send hundreds of extra cartons of food and essentials to our stores - today alone there will be over 100,000 bottles water arriving in our North Island supermarkets."

"We are well practised in getting the essentials to customers but we ask that everyone thinks about what they really need for the next few days - this will make sure that there is enough for others. We have plenty of stock, but our team and supply partners need time to get it through our supply chain and onto shelves."

Foodstuffs North Island, the co-operative behind Pak'n'Save, New World and Four Square in the North Island, also said their supply chains were solid as the storm approached.

"We've got a robust supply chain that's recently been tested and proven through Auckland's extreme weather events," Jonathan Box, General Manager Supply Chain said in a statement.

"Being in every community across the North Island, we know the importance of keeping our stores stocked and operational and we're well prepared to handle the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle.

"Our supply chain teams are working closely with our store teams and our supply partners to ensure continuity of supply."