Gabrielle, which reached New Zealand on Sunday before making its way down the east coast of the North Island, cut off entire towns, washed away farms, bridges and livestock, and inundated homes, stranding people on roof tops.
Parts of New Zealand's North Island, where about 75% of the country's 5 million residents live, are enduring their second major storm in as many weeks.
Two other people have been confirmed dead in Hawke's Bay, a region on the eastern coast of the North Island.
The water has drained away but it has left silt, swollen wood and damaged her new kitchen, wall linings and doors.
EVACUATIONS CONTINUEMeteorological service WeatherWatch said Cyclone Gabrielle is now east of the country and continuing to track away from the North Island with weather now improving.