Cargo operations resumed at Northport on Thursday last week following the port’s closure in the face of ex-tropical cyclone Gabrielle.

Repairs to a rock wall have been completed and one of the two Wave Rider buoys which lost their moorings in the exceptional swell generated by Storm Gabrielle has been put back in position. The second buoy is being serviced and will be re-positioned shortly.

A thorough visual sweep of the shipping channels in Whangārei Harbour has been conducted by the deputy harbourmaster in the pilot boat. Northport has also conducted hydrographic surveys to ensure that these are clear of debris and other shipping hazards.

All temporary restrictions on deep-draft vessel passage in the harbour imposed after the storm have been lifted.

Northport’s sincere thanks go to the teams from all of Northland’s infrastructure providers who worked tirelessly, and in many cases continue to do so, to ensure that we have been able to return to business as usual, or as close to it as possible, so quickly. Particular mention must be made of the huge effort put in by the teams from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Northpower, and all those drafted in from other infrastructure providers from all parts of the country to help with Northland’s recovery.

Many of our Northland communities remain faced with a massive clean-up and recovery operation. Our thoughts are with them, and with those families and communities in West Auckland, Eastland, Hawke’s Bay and the Bay of Plenty who bore the brunt of Gabrielle’s fury.

Kia kaha!