RNZ reported that Hill suggested Auckland’s inability to handle such a downpour was “terrifying”.
”It’s definitely worrying. But this is an unprecedented event,” Brown said.
“It will be interesting to see just how well-prepared Wellington is when the earthquake strikes.”
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau said she found Brown’s comments “distasteful and inappropriate at this time”.
However, Whanau said her focus was on the community and what they needed to get through the devastation.
“Which is why I’ve already been in touch with Minister McAnulty to offer support from Wellington City when it’s required. We’re all thinking of our Auckland whānau.”
Wellington regional councillor Thomas Nash said on Twitter that disaster preparedness was not a competition between cities.
“Cities and regions need to work together as we deal with severe weather events. Thoughtful, dedicated, well-prepared local government leadership makes a huge difference in emergencies.”
Leader of the Opposition Christopher Luxon was among those “urging” Brown to declare a state of emergency last night.
“This will give our brilliant emergency response teams the tools they need to respond. High tide hits after midnight and we need a list of evacuation centres for folk to head to,” Luxon said on social media.
In response to others calling for a state of emergency to be considered, MP for Mt Roskill and Cabinet Minister Michael Wood said the event was extremely serious.
“Ministers and MPs are co-ordinating. A formal declaration sits with the Mayor.”
Waka Kotahi also came under fire last night when a post on its Auckland and Northland Twitter page said there would be no more updates on major state highway closures for the rest of the evening. This was at about 8pm.
Wood, who is the Transport Minister, instructed Waka Kotahi to urgently reopen its channels after he saw the agency’s post.
“This will happen shortly. The best source of information is CDEM but there also needs to be clear comms from WK,” Wood assured the public.
This morning Waka Kotahi apologised for updates and information not being as timely as they should have been last night.
“We know the public wants up-to-date information as quickly as possible in situations like this and we are sorry we did not meet those expectations.”
This morning Brown’s office issued a statement saying it had been a terrible night for thousands of Aucklanders following widespread damage, displacement, and disruption from flooding and torrential rain.
His office said Brown would attend briefings with teams across Auckland Council, who were managing the emergency response, before meeting with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. Hipkins is travelling to Auckland with the Defence Force today.
Brown planned to visit affected communities in the days ahead.
“I want to thank our emergency services and the team here for their hard work and dedication during very difficult circumstances,” Brown said.
