Civil Defence leader explains delay in Cyclone Gabrielle emergency alert
Monday 10 November 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
The acting group controller for Hawke's Bay Civil Defence has defended the delay in issuing an emergency evacuation alert during Cyclone Gabrielle. Speaking at a coronial inquest, Edaan Lennan stated he feared sending the alert could have put lives at risk. The inquiry is investigating 19 deaths related to the cyclone and Auckland floods.
