The New Zealand government announced an 11.5 million New Zealand dollars ($7.25 million) Community Support Package on Monday to help tens of thousands of people affected by the recent floods as the North Island regions prepare to respond to Cyclone Gabrielle.

Community organizations and groups have mobilized quickly to support people who have been impacted and displaced as a result of the unprecedented flooding two weeks ago, said Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni.

Monday's announcement was a new round of New Zealand's ongoing response to support the country's largest city Auckland and other impacted regions, Sepuloni said.

"This support package will provide immediate relief for individuals and families, bespoke support for disabled people like transport assistance, as well as support for the voluntary sector who continue to be at the heart of their communities and our response," she said.

More than 25,000 people have been supported with food, clothing, shelter, bedding and medication. People have lost their homes and vehicles, families are facing additional challenges getting their children back to school and many families will be facing anxiety and distress from the significant disruption of the floods and impending cyclone, the minister said.

Police said they were trying to locate a person who was onboard a boat near Great Barrier Island this morning, after responding to reports the boat was in distress.

"The Police Maritime Unit, with assistance from Eagle, have attempted to approach the boat throughout the morning, however conditions have been challenging, and at this stage no one has been located," they said in a statement.

Monday's package sits alongside a suite of supports that the government has put in place to enhance the response in Auckland.

A state of emergency has been declared in five North Island regions including New Zealand's largest city of Auckland before Cyclone Gabrielle unleashes its full fury. Emergency preparations are underway as power outages, flight cancellations, and school closures are seen in the region.

Residents in Auckland and the surrounding area are also being told to brace for more heavy rain, flooding and gale-force winds, and some homes are being evacuated.

This is only two weeks after Auckland and the adjacent region Waikato were inundated by record downpours and floods.

(With input from agencies)