Grant Robertson in Parliament where the first week of the year is set to be much shorter than planned. Photo: Phil Smith
Cyclone Gabrielle has disrupted what was supposed to be Parliament's first sitting week of 2023.
The planned sitting programme has been postponed, so government ministers and MPs can focus on helping their communities.
Leader of the House Grant Robertson says the unprecedented storm and the subsequent declaration of a national state of emergency means the original plan has now changed.
The House will meet briefly this afternoon to consider a motion on the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
The Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty will then deliver a statement on the declaration - there will be chance for questions from other parties.
The House will then be adjourned until next Tuesday, the first business once it is back will be the Prime Minister's statement and debate.
Question Time will resume next Wednesday. Select committees can continue to meet this week if they are able to do so remotely.
National state of emergency: What you need to know
- The New Zealand government has declared a National State of Emergency, to assist in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.
- The declaration will apply to the six regions that have already declared a local State of Emergency: Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Hawke's Bay.
- A national state of emergency gives the national controller legal authority to apply further resources across the country and set priorities in support of a national level response.
National Emergency Management Agency advice:
- Put safety first. Don't take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
- Stay at home if it is safe to do so. But have an evacuation plan in case your home becomes unsafe to stay in.
- If you have evacuated, please stay where you are until you are given the all-clear to go home.
- People should stay up to date with the forecasts from MetService and continue to follow the advice of Civil Defence and emergency services.
- Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater: even water just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.