The northern police communications experienced a higher than normal demand for service.

Weather related calls accounted for a 33% increase in demand for the area Turangi to cape reinga.

Numerous calls were received for road blockages, flooding, debri, downed power lines and vessels that had slipped there moorings.

A number of water rescues were made. Northland police located three persons in wetsuits thought to be missing at whangarei falls. Emmergency services at Tauranga rescued two persons from a canoe, a third is missing tauranga with the search resuming at first light.

Given the advance warning of the weather, police are disaapointed that people put themselves and their rescuers at risk.

There were relatively few vehicle accidents possibly due to people staying inside and or being very cautious on the roads.

A number of roads in Northland, waikato remain closed due to slips and flooding
police advise the public to remain cautious and if possible delay travel until the weather issues have abated

Issued By: Inspector Kerry Watson