Wayne Brown has declared a local state of emergency after his office revealed the Auckland Mayor is in Sydney as wild weather lashes the city.
Auckland Council said in a statement an emergency mobile alert had been issued for the region, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected until at least midnight.
The Mayor's office, in a separate statement, said Brown was in Sydney for a meeting about the Auckland light rail project but was urging people to "stay away from floodwaters and open drains, remain calm but vigilant and follow the advice of" officials.
Brown was urging emergency management and transport officials to provide clear and frequent communication, his office said.
The Mayor came under massive scrutiny for his handling of the Auckland flooding in January. An independent review by former Police Commissioner Mike Bush found Brown's office needed to be "more active" while he, Auckland Council chief executive Jim Stabback and other council officials' communication with residents was found wanting.
Brown's office on Tuesday said the Mayor was in regular phone contact with his deputy Desley Simpson and emergency officials.
Brown had since declared a local state of emergency and was delegating his powers to Simpson.
"The decision is based on the lessons we learnt from the Anniversary Auckland floods," he said.
"While I am assured that emergency services are coping with the volume of call outs at the moment and that they do not require emergency powers, I consider it is necessary to communicate to the public that this is something to take seriously.
"As I am in Sydney on council business, I have delegated my responsibilities and powers to Desley Simpson, who is now acting Mayor until I return."
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