KEY POINTS:
The state of emergency has been lifted in tornado-hit Taranaki.
No further damage was reported during the night and the community now was busy cleaning up, said Civil Defence controller David Lean.
Police were continuing round-the-clock patrols in Oakura to ensure the security of houses and property damaged
when the tornadoes struck on Thursday night.
At least six twisters hit Oakura, Egmont Village, Inglewood and the Waitara area about 5.30pm on Thursday trampling houses, trees and power poles, causing millions of dollars worth of damage and leaving dozens of families homeless.
Civil Defence spokesman Rusty Ritchie said everyone was in clean-up mode today.
The quicker this was done the better, he said, as it would prevent any further damage being caused by loose debris flying around.
Strong winds last night did cause some debris to move around.
The Taranaki District Council is to make a kerbside collection of tornado-generated rubbish at midday.
Houses which sustained the worst damage were now covered in tarpaulins and the Fire Service was on hand to resecure any which had come loose.
The Taranaki District Council (TDC) made a kerbside collection of tornado-generated rubbish today, moving quickly to reduce the risk of further damage from wind-blown debris.
But mostly the clean-up is a community effort, with friends and neighbours all helping those whose properties sustained damage, Mr Ritchie said.
"Carpenters and builders will be out there, too, getting on with the job."
The weather has calmed down and the forecast for the region is for clearing conditions and no significant wind.
A welfare centre is to remain open at Oakura Bowling Club through until at least Tuesday and the welfare hotline (0800 779 997), set up for people needing practical help or feeling the stress, would also stay open in the meantime.
About 200 Taranaki homes are still without electricity this afternoon.
Powerco Network Operations Manager Ross Dixon told Newstalk ZB steady progress had been made repairing the damage.
Around 120 workers are out dealing with the last bits of damage and Mr Dixon said he was hopeful the last problems would be mopped up by early evening.
However there would be the odd home where it was not safe to reconnect electricity, he said.
Mr Lean said Civil Defence would continue to assess the needs of people affected by the tornadoes next week.
"It's very likely that by early next week, the reality of what's happened will set in for some people, and anyone needing assistance should go to the welfare centre or use the welfare hotline," he said.
Insurance assessors were also in the region helping people with their claims. Fifty houses have already been assessed as having sustained at least 80 per cent damage. Some have been completely destroyed and some cars have been crushed by fallen trees.
Early assessment indications from the Insurance Council put the damage in New Plymouth at about $2 million, with another $5 million estimated in Oakura. Those figures were expected to rise.
The Bank of New Zealand has set up an account for donations to assist with disaster relief. People can make donations at any BNZ branch.
- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB
