The East Coast MP told Jenny-May Clarkson things are "looking a bit better" in the devastated region.
Breakfast's Jenny-May Clarkson joined a Civil Defence helicopter flight that was delivering much-needed items to Tiniroto.
"These guys are survivors, they've been through the volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga, they're in good spirits and they're happy and warm and safe now," said a Tongan community leader.
Kaipara District Councillor Ash Nayyar and his wife Mamti clung to the outside of a fire engine as they were rescued in the dark amid rising floodwaters.
An electrical fire at JFK Airport in New York saw the Air NZ flight return to Auckland instead of landing at another destination.
East Coast MP Kiritapu Allan told 1News the water treatment plant has failed.
The body was discovered in Waiohiki, near Napier, and brings the Cyclone Gabrielle death toll to seven.
The Australian Emergency Management and Foreign Ministers said "some of our best" disaster experts will be deployed in the next 24 hours.
Daniel O'Connell, 48, was last seen in Gore on Wednesday morning.
In a statement, Fire and Emergency chief executive Kerry Gregory gave thoughts and prayers to the families of Craig Stevens and Dave van Zwenenberg.
The email advertised "cyclone Strength Savings" on a range of items from wicker baskets to scented candles.
A tearful Joanna Green said she wished Michael McGrath was still here, as she gave evidence in the murder trial of her ex-partner David Benbow.
The current death toll from Cyclone Gabrielle stands at seven.
Jack, Ella - who is pregnant - and Imogen managed to get to safety, but are now dealing with the tragic loss of their other daughter.
Harrisons Carpet and Flooring Christchurch West and Simply Floors face fines of $52,500 and $1100 respectively for "health and safety failures".
Over 500 Kāinga Ora properties were damaged in the Auckland region and the number of displaced people has soared.
Communities in Tairāwhiti have been calling for an urgent inquiry into forestry practices in the region for some time.
The head of planning for Auckland Council's Healthy Waters Dept says those in the region should treat all streams and rivers as potentially contaminated.
Sally Prins has lived on Dartmoor Road for over 50 years but during the flooding her house was submerged, forcing her family to escape via the rooftop.
The Ministry of Social Development admits children are being affected by benefit sanctions - but won't say how.
The Storm are still in Melbourne ahead of this Sunday's preseason match against the Warriors in the Garden City due to some travel issues.
The area just north of Napier was decimated by the wrath of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Faithful Pilgrim is giving evidence at the Employment Court, which is deciding whether six women were employees or volunteers and subject to "slave-like conditions".
It takes the death toll of Cyclone Gabrielle to eight people.
George Luke's death has left the Taranaki rugby league community in mourning.
Some workers had to return some of their wages after their pay was increased to meet work visa requirements.
Has the cyclone whipped climate change into the election narrative?
Many are still without power, cellphone coverage is patchy, while there’s been tension at the petrol pumps.
Christopher Barber smashed a hole in the ceiling and pulled his family up as water consumed their home.
When tested on mice, a singe dose of a newly developed drug was 100% effective in preventing pregnancy for the first two hours.
As relief efforts ramp up to help those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, here is some advice on how best you can contribute.
Relive 1News' live updates of day two of the first Test between the Black Caps and England at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
The Football Ferns insisted tonight's game in Hamilton was the start of their push for a big World Cup campaign on home soil - instead, it was another heavy loss where they failed to score.
