Thousands of people are considered missing a week after the storm hit the north of the country, writes Reuters.

The cyclone hit the northernmost region on February 12 and passed along the eastern coast, causing widespread destruction.

Prime Minister

called Gabriel New Zealand's worst natural disaster this century.

Two more people have died in Hawke's Bay in cyclone-related circumstances, police said on Sunday.

Other deaths were possible, Hipkins told reporters, saying 3,216 people had been rescued while police were trying to determine the status of more than 3,000 others.

Telecommunications have been disrupted, the region is short of fresh water and damaged roads still limit access to some areas.

Many crops have been destroyed, and 28,000 homes are still without electricity, the prime minister said.

A rescue team from Fiji will travel to New Zealand to help with the recovery, one of 12 offers of international aid received so far, Hipkins said.

Rescue workers and the military are dropping vital supplies via helicopters to stranded communities.

The water flooded houses and farms, washed away and damaged bridges, and many animals died.

There are reports of looting.