/u/UncookedMeatloaf, Minister for the Environment, holds a press conference at the Beehive concerning the government response to Cyclone Ella.

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for spending your time coming here. It's the nature of these tragedies and the fact that we live in such a small, familial country that everyone knows someone who was affected by Cyclone Ella. A family should always care for its own and those who have lost everything due to this tragedy will recieve the full support of the government and the full support of all New Zealanders.

My heart goes out to the friends and relatives of the five people who died in this terrible storm. They will not be forgotten.

I'd like to begin by laying out the steps we have taken so far, and finish by elaborating on this government's plans for the future:

As soon as the storm left the North Island and it became safe to put planes and helicopters in the air, the 2nd Engineer Regiment of the New Zealand Army was mobilized and, along with Squadron No. 3 of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, sent to Auckland Airport to assist with the recovery efforts. The 2nd Engineer Regiment will work to clear roads and restore power and water to vital facilities such as hospitals, police stations, and shelters across the north coast. Squadron No. 3 will work with local police to conduct search and rescue operations in the North Island.

As per Ministry of Infrastructure Decree #1, Auckland Airport will be closed to unrestricted civilian flights effective today. The airport is being placed under military jurisdiction, as it will function as a staging area for recovery forces operating out of Auckland. Airline flights are not canceled. Auckland Airport remains open for business, and regularly scheduled passenger flights will remain in operation.

Auckland Airport was chosen as a staging area primarily because of its location. Since the aiport is located on the western side of Auckland, it remained relatively clear of storm surge damage as opposed to locations in Auckland Harbor or those directly exposed to the Hauraki Gulf.

I can assure all New Zealanders that Auckland Airport's use as a staging area will have little to no impact on regularly scheduled commercial flights. Any further questions about Auckland Airport should be referred to the office of Lt. General Keating and the New Zealand Defence Force.

The government plans to pass with urgency a robust recovery spending bill. With final damages estimated in the billions, and with the criminally underfunded state of local councils in New Zealand, it is the obligation of the government to help those affected by Cyclone Ella get back on their feet. Further details as to the structure, scope, and exact dollar amount of the recovery bill will be released early tomorrow morning.

I'd like to finish by recognizing the extraordinary efforts of the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, /u/Fresh3001, as well as /u/Ghost_of_John_Galt for starting a private fund to assist with the recovery efforts and for donating so much of their own money to that cause. I would encourage everyone to donate money to help with the relief efforts, if not to their fund then to the Red Cross or some other organization.

I hope that I've cleared up any misconceptions surrounding the government's response, and once again I'd like to thank everyone for coming here today, and I'd like to ask everyone to keep those who have been affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers for the coming weeks.

Thank you.