A report out today on the response to Auckland's Anniversary Weekend floods is critical of Council leaders, mayor Wayne Brown, and the city's emergency management systems.

The independent panel led by former Police Commissioner Mike Bush, has found the Council was unprepared for the flooding's magnitude and speed.

It also notes Council already knew about gaps in preparedness as far back as 2016.

Bush says key Council leaders didn't appreciate the importance of visible leadership and communications.

"This was a really fast-moving, rapid, unpredicted event. But the response needed to be better, and that's what our report is focused on."

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