Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has paid tribute to Janesh Prasad, the man who died in the tornado in south Auckland on Saturday.
Prasad was working as a contractor at Auckland Ports' Wiri facility when he was picked up and carried across the container yard by the freak weather incident. He leaves behind his wife Mala, 13-year-old daughter Ashley, and 10-year-old son Jesh.
Ardern addressed the weekend's wild weather at her post-Cabinet press conference on Monday.
"I would like to acknowledge everyone impacted by violent weather over the weekend," she said.
She went on to pay tribute to Prasad and his young family.
"I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy for the family of Janesh Prasad who lost his life as a result of the tornado in Auckland.
"I know everyone's thoughts are with his wife, children, friends and colleagues."
A Givealittle page has been set up by a close friend of Prasad to raise funds to support his family and help with funeral arrangements. So far it has raised more than $55,900.
Ardern acknowledged it was a "distressing time" for those in affected communities particularly Papatoetoe, where the tornado hit and Tairāwhiti Gisborne, which was battered with rain and flash flooding.
"The worst of the weather is behind us but we can expect a significant cleanup effort in those communities hardest hit," she said.
"Government agencies are there to provide support. You'll have seen we have already contributed funding to the Mayoral Relief Fund to support Auckland communities impacted by the tornado and MSD is also offering assistance.
On Monday Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina told Newshub the Government's $100,000 donation to the Mayoral Relief Fund to help communities affected by the tornado wouldn't be enough
"$100,000 is $100,000 and you don't scoff at that but I'm hoping this is just the beginning of the relief package for those who were hit by the tornado."
At the post-Cabinet, Ardern said the Government is "in contact with the Mayor of Auckland and are ready to provide additional financial assistance if required".
