West Auckland tornado claims reach $3m

Some $3 million in insurance claims have already been lodged by Hobsonville residents after Thursday's tornado.

While Civil Defence's role in the area is diminishing, the clean up continues for residents.

Insurance Council chief executive Tim Grafton says they've so far received around 900 claims for damage to private property.

"Damage to houses, damage to contents in houses, water damage as a result of pipes leaking, and damage to motor vehicles."

Damage to government property, including the Defence Force houses, is not included in the figure.

Not everyone's had the foresight to buy insurance though.

Kelly Heald is organising a relief effort for her uncle, whose Hobsonville home was virtually destroyed by the tornado.

The roof was lifted off, light fixtures have been found in trees and even the pink batts insulation was swept down the road.

Ms Heald is collecting donations or building materials, and has set up a Facebook page.

She's after roofing supplies in particular, including sheets of corrugated iron, ridging iron, flashing roofing nails, gib clouts and insulation.