Tens of thousands of people waking to blackouts this morning.

It's all about using what you have and making the best of it.

Cyclone Gabrielle has caused widespread damage to the North Island and wild winds and rain lash the region.

Although the intense rain is over, that does not mean it is dry.

A couple in Piha ran for their lives when the hillside behind them began to collapse.

The firefighters were responding to a landslip.

Thousands are without power after widespread damage to the electricity network.

Mother, kaihaka, and wahine in business is all in a days work for Kahurangi MIlne

Heather du plessis allan talks with Wayne Brown on Auckland floods and preparation for Cyclone Gabrielle. Video / Newstalk ZB

A boatie has gone missing near Aotea Great Barrier Island.

A Mexican national, 36, is before the court on charges of possessing meth for supply

The men vanished on Friday while being transported to Mt Eden prison.

Some 10,000 international passengers have been disrupted by the cyclone in Auckland.

Great Barrier Island residents are already hunkering down as the cyclone makes ground.

Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty will lead the briefing from the Beehive.

'Largely due to the expected higher natural perils costs from the Auckland flood event.'

The whole of the North Island was put under a tranche of weather warnings yesterday.

Crews work through the night to reconnect as many as they can.

The ultra-long-haul NZ1 from New York has diverted to Rarotonga to avoid storms.

WeatherWatch said the cyclone's east position could reduce storm surge.

Watch as waves crash onto Tamaki drive as cyclone Gabrielle arrives in Auckland. Video / Hayden Woodward

Auckland Transport is urging people to avoid all non-urgent travel until Tuesday.

Northland and Gisborne are also under red heavy rain warnings.

Northland and Gisborne are also under red heavy rain warnings.

Aucklanders have rushed to stores to stock up on essentials as the cyclone approaches.

Power lines in the area are down.