More than 1300 homes have been yellow stickered. Some people told RNZ they were living in parts of their homes that were considered safe. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
More than one month on from Cyclone Gabrielle, Hawke's Bay Civil Defence says there are still a small number of people in emergency accommodation.
In the days immediately following the cyclone, up to 2000 people sought shelter in emergency hubs or evacuation centres.
Regional group controller Ian Macdonald said that number was now about 20 people.
"There are some people who are still living in marae and that's because that's where they feel most comfortable," Macdonald said.
"The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)'s Temporary Accommodation Service has been really busy the past couple of weeks placing people as best they can, people coming in from emergency accommodation settings.
"Some people have gone back home, in fact, probably the bulk of people have gone back home."
Sixteen hundred building assessments have been carried out across Hawke's Bay so far, with 106 properties red stickered and 1321 yellow stickered.
Many of those with yellow or red stickered homes who RNZ spoke to said they were staying with friends or family, in caravans or parts of their property that were deemed safe.
Housing was already a major issue in Hawkes Bay prior to Cyclone Gabrielle, which had become a [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/485975/iwi-makes-securing-housing-a-major-post-cyclone-goal
compounding factor].
Corey Stephens' rental in Awatoto was yellow stickered after a metre of water rushed through the newly renovated house.
"We thought we had avoided it on the day of the cyclone because we had next to no damage first thing in the morning," he said.
"A couple of hours later I went out to have a look again across the fields and water was just pouring in from every direction... I had to manually open the electric gates in probably knee high water.
"We drove out to the road and by that stage, the water was up to the bonnet [of the car]."
Damage is piled up on McLeod Street in Awatoto earlier this week. Photo: RNZ / Niva Chittock
Stephens and his wife had found a temporary place to stay for a few months and were looking for something more permanent.
"I've been applying for rentals and there are like 100 applicants for every property... Having two dogs isn't helping either," he said.
He was unsure what he would do if his temporary accommodation ran out and they could not find another rental.