The central North Island is still being thrashed by Cyclone Gabrielle, with Hawke's Bay now bearing its brunt.

The Defence Forces and emergency services have been helping with evacuations and rescues.

That includes using helicopters and boats to help people in Napier from areas bordering the flooded Tutaekuri River.

Evacuations have also been ordered in Waipukurau, with people asked to immediately move to higher ground or an evacuation centre.

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise says flooding and raging rivers have hit some infrastructure.

Kirsten Wise says the drinking water is safe to consume - but the city is under the highest level water restriction.

LISTEN ABOVE

• Napier evacuations: Emergency services scrambling to rescue 'multiple people'
• Cyclone Gabrielle: Air NZ cancels all domestic flights to and from Auckland tomorrow; multiple international, regional services canned
• Kieran McAnulty warns people to take Cyclone Gabrielle seriously, despite downgrade
• Explained: The freakish features of Cyclone Gabrielle