Slow progress for communities across the North Island starting to pick up the pieces in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Power is being progressively restored, but almost 30,000 remain without it in Hawke's Bay.

Officials are urging people to make sure cooking appliances are turned off as the power comes back - to avoid any potential fire hazards.

Numerous State Highways and local roads remain closed due to silt, slips and bridge washouts.

Thousands of people have been forced from their homes, and the official death toll stands at nine.

Wairoa District Council is asking those in the township, North Clyde and Frasertown to boil all water.

But Mayor Craig Little says he is hearing good reports about progress on the roads, and perhaps further afield.