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Officials are considering declaring a national state of emergency -- as Cyclone Gabrielle continues to cause severe weather across the North Island and upper South.

In Auckland, a volunteer firefighter is missing and another is in a critical condition in hospital, after an early morning emergency evacuation in Muriwai.

In Northland, homes have been evacuated in low-lying parts of Dargaville, following evacuations in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Gisborne and Hastings.

Hawke's Bay is now in a state of emergency, alongside the entire Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne regions.

Director of Emergency Management Roger Ball told Mike Hosking the next step is deciding whether a national declaration is needed.

There are widespread power outages and road closures across the North Island, with a number of communities cut off.

People in affected regions are asked to stay home, avoid travelling, and only call 111 if life and safety is at risk.

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