in upper North Island
Māori services and schools across Tāmaki Makaurau and Northland are gearing up for a long night, as they anticipate the arrival of another wet front that's set to batter the two regions from tonight.
Earlier this afternoon, Northland Regional Council, which consists of the Kaipara, Whangārei, and Far North districts, had put in place a state of emergency for the next seven days.
Following the announcement, Far North mayor Moko Tepania said the declaration was needed in order to give appropriate services some authority to help lead the response.
"Ko te hoatu i te mana ake ki ngā whakaratonga kei te takiwā, pēnei i a pirihimana Aotearoa, pēnei i ngā whakaratonga iwi, kaipatu ahi, ērā momo (We have to give authority to services in our area such as the police, iwi providers as well as our firemen to take charge)."
Link to article: Māori communities prepare for second deluge in upper North Island (1news.co.nz)
