Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand with 1/6 million people. On Jan. 27, 2023, an estimated 9.8 inches (240 mm) of rain, equal to a summer’s worth of rain, fell on Auckland, making it the city’s wettest day on record. Additional rain fell on Jan. 31, which only added to the destruction of people's houses, cars and properties. 

Given the intensity and the amount of previous rainfall, the ground was waterlogged, and rivers were full. This provided little capacity for the absorption of new rainfall. It also created risks for landslides and rivers overflowing.  This led to the evacuation of hundreds of people.

As of midday 7 February: 

• 276 homes or buildings have red placards/stickers (not habitable)
• 1590 homes or buildings have yellow placards/stickers
• 2511 homes or buildings have white placards/stickers
• 2232 flood impacted vehicles (many uninsured)
• 25 roads closed (including ones near schools)
• 600 tonnes of rubbish removed. 

Families have been displaced and volunteers left exhausted. So, what can we do? 

The Catalytic Foundation have surveyed frontline charities supporting flood victims and the following items are needed by families:

• Staff/Volunteers
• Food and food vouchers
• Clothing/Shoes
• Electronic devices (mobile phones and Chromebooks for school)
• Blankets
• Backpacks packed with resource items for school

"Floods impacted a number of already vulnerable families. Yes the families would appreciate support with educational resources, support with uniforms and school fees". Mangere based charity

We have concentrated our support efforts on charities with families directly impacted by the flooding.  One of the worst affected suburbs in Auckland was Mangere, with almost all the 22 homes on a single street were flooded because of rising waters from a nearby creek. They had all been built within the last three years, but major infrastructure improvements were not made.