Cyclone Gabrielle wreaks havoc across New Zealand’s North Island as evacuations continue

The effects of Cyclone Gabrielle at Mathesons Bay beach in Auckland on Monday, as parts of New Zealand’s North Island were battered by high winds and rain. Photograph: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins has warned the worst is yet to come as Cyclone Gabrielle sparks evacuations, rising flood waters and power outages across the North Island.

“Things are likely to get worse before they get better,” Hipkins said. “Extreme weather event has come on the back of extreme weather event.”