A Civil Defence welfare centre has opened for south Auckland residents who were affected by Saturday's suspected tornado.
The centre is based at the Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre on Newbury St and opened at 2pm.
It will provide support to those who were affected by Papatoetoe's freak weather incident who are unable to stay with friends and family or have health or welfare needs.
Auckland Emergency Management duty controller Parul Sood says the centre will offer needs assessments and connect people to support agencies.
"If your home or property was affected this morning, the welfare centre can offer a range of support.
"In some cases, accommodation can be provided, however, we urge people to reach out to friends and whānau for assistance first," she says.
Civil Defence encourages people to bring medications and essential items, like identification documents, baby needs and warm clothing with them when possible.
They ask that pets, particularly dogs, be taken care of by friends or whānau, but can be brought to the welfare centre if there is no alternative.
People who need assistance but are unable to get to the centre can call Auckland Emergency Management on 0800 22 22 00.
According to Civil Defence, more than 50 properties were damaged by high winds in the "significant weather event" which hit the suburbs of Papatoetoe and Wiri the hardest.
Utilities, including power and water, have been affected and providers are working to fix these as soon as possible, Civil Defences says.
Photos from the scene show fences knocked over, tiles blown off roofs, trees uprooted and power lines down.
One person died and two were injured at the Ports of Auckland south Auckland freight hub in Wiri.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says the person's fatal injuries were caused by the tornado picking them up and throwing them.
Goff says several people in residential areas also received minor injuries.
