Firefighters were left scrambling to find vehicles, communications equipment, extra staff, and air support as Cyclone Gabrielle bore down on the country.
Newly released reports from the days leading up to the deadly event show rescuers couldn't get hold of vital resources as a much bigger storm than expected hit.
As the cyclone loomed over Northland, the national equipment manager said - quote - "Mobility for our teams is rapidly becoming a showstopper,"
Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann.
