Two Auckland Covid-19 vaccination centres were forced to temporarily close on Tuesday following heavy rain and flood damage.
In a statement to 1 NEWS, Auckland District Health Board said its Northern Region Health Coordination Centre would be unable to open its drive through vaccination sites at the Trusts Arena and Airport Park and Ride until 11am while they clean up after the overnight storm.
In a later statement ADHB confirmed the two sites reopened before 11am.
“The Northern Region Health Coordination Centre can confirm that both drive-through sites impacted by the overnight storm in Auckland were able to reopen earlier than expected this morning and people are now able to attend both sites.
“The Airport Park and Ride drive-through vaccination centre in Mangere reopened shortly after 9am after two marquees that had come down overnight were re-erected.
“The Trusts Arena drive-through site has now moved inside for the day and reopened at 10.30am. People will be directed to park on site and asked to enter the stadium to be vaccinated rather than stay in their vehicles. The usual drive-through model is expected to reopen tomorrow.”
“Anyone who was impacted by the late opening and was not able to attend their appointment this morning will be contacted to reschedule their bookings for later in the week.”
Fire and Emergency New Zealand earlier told 1 NEWS they received more than 150 calls for assistance in Auckland, mainly for flooding at residential properties and to help people trapped in their cars.
The worst affected areas were the city's west, with parts of the North Shore also affected.
Auckland Emergency Management Controller Rachel Kelleher earlier told Breakfast for anyone advised to evacuate, that that overrides any Covid-19 alert level requirements to stay a home.
"It's important for people to know that if they do need to evacuate, they can't seek shelter at home, that they should do that and they should do it safely," she said.
Auckland’s west bore the brunt of the weather event.
"If people do need to evacuate, still try and bring their essential items with them, if they can bring a face mask do that and where possible do try and keep in their family bubbles, but absolutely their safety is paramount."
Shelter is available for those who need it at the Auckland Council buildings at 6 Henderson Valley Road, but Kelleher advised people to avoid driving through flooded roads which could be dangerous.
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