Cyclone Gabrielle: Thousands left without power in New Zealand

Some 46,000 homes have lost power as Cyclone Gabrielle lashes the north of New Zealand.

Authorities have issued warnings of heavy rain and winds, and hundreds of flights have been cancelled.

Some areas have declared a state of emergency, as Gabrielle nears the North Island.

It comes weeks after Auckland and surrounding areas were hit by record rainfall that sparked floods and killed four people.

"Extreme weather event has come on the back of extreme weather event," said New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who announced a NZ$11.5m (£6m; US$7.3m) aid package.

"Things are likely to get worse before they get better."