Civil Defence officials still don't know the full extent of the damage, from a night of heavy rain and extensive flooding in Auckland. 

Emergency services have received more than 150 calls about flooding, mostly in West Auckland. 

One Swanson resident has described seeing cars being swept down the road, children being carried through shoulder-height flood waters, and homes ending up underwater. 

Auckland Emergency Management Deputy Controller Rachel Kelleher told Kate Hawkesby response crews will head out to assist, where needed. 

"It's still an emerging situation at the moment, we're just working through what the needs are out there." 

Kelleher says the need to evacuate overrides any alert level requirements, but people should socially distance where possible. 

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