Auckland schools have been advised to close, however, the decision remains with individual boards of trustees, the Secretary of Education has said.
Aucklanders have been advised to work from home ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle, and schools should communicate closures directly to students and parents.
Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) deputy controller Rachel Kelleher said people should “plan for things to change” regarding education institution closures.
Kelleher said parents and students should follow their “usual channels” for communication with individual schools, kura and early childhood education centres.
Secretary of Education Iona Holsted sent a message to Auckland schools on Sunday reiterating a message earlier that day that schools should decide whether they would close themselves.
“I recommend that the Boards of Auckland schools make a decision to close their schools for on-site instruction from Monday 13 February,” Holsted said.
Holsted issued the latest advice for schools to close following the upgrading of Auckland’s weather warnings.
The Herald has compiled a list of schools confirmed to be closed so far below. This is not an exhaustive list and parents should check with individual schools.
If you are aware of other schools being closed, please email us at newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz
Auckland Grammar announced on Sunday it would remain open, but said this would be subject to change depending on the weather.
“If this needs to be altered due to a significant change in the weather, or if the School received a direction to close under the Education and Training Act, the Headmaster will advise all parents directly via SMS and email,” a message to parents read.
AEM’s Kelleher said people should speak with their employers about whether they should come in or work from home.
Some parents have decided to keep their children home from school regardless of advice from institutions.
“I’ve already made the decision as a parent, regarding my child’s safety, she’s not going to school until Wednesday,” one parent said.
“I’m not waiting for authorities to make that call for my child.”
Prime Minister Chis Hipkins said schools and businesses should make their own decisions about opening on Monday and Tuesday, when the worst of Cyclone Gabrielle was expected.
“I’d encourage them to follow the guidance, and particularly consider issues around transportation, and also around the fact that with severe weather, it’s not just a question about whether it’s safe to be at school, it’s also a decision about getting to and from school,” Hipkins said.
”We don’t want kids to end up being marooned at school, for example.”
Hipkins said schools would make their decision based on their situation and the weather.
He said officials would be constantly reviewing their advice.
”The message at the moment is people should be minimising traffic on the roads as much as possible.
“People can make their own decisions about [working from home], but if they’re in a position to ... then yes, of course, they can do that.
“Follow the guidance, because it will change over the next 24-48 hours.”
Auckland Transport (AT), meanwhile, has urged people to avoid all non-urgent travel until Tuesday and prepare for road closures.
AT executive general manager safety Stacey van der Putten said: “Please keep a lookout for debris and fallen trees on the road, and as always drive to the conditions.
”Be prepared for road closures.”
AT said motorists should avoid several areas if flooding does occur, including Wairau Valley, Tāmaki Drive, Fanshawe St around Victoria Park, and Fred Thomas Drive.
”There are many more [areas] and these will be available on the AT website.”
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