Cyclone Vaianu

13 April,  4 pm - LAST UPDATE  

MetService New Zealand has updated their weather watches and there is no longer a rain watch or warnings in place for our district.

First of all, a huge thank you to everyone across our district. You should be proud of the way you’ve prepared for Cyclone Vaianu over the past few days; those efforts make a real difference. While most of us may have come off relatively lightly this time, the next event could be very different. The way our community stepped up and prepared shows just how important it is to stay ready, look out for one another, and take these warnings seriously every time.

Also, a special thank you to our community groups, community partners, essential services, and local contacts across the district for staying alert and being ready to respond over the weekend. As always your support and coordination are greatly appreciated.

Our Emergency Operations Centre was operational on Sunday in case we had to respond.  Fortunately, no declaration was necessary, as council along with other Tararua critical service providers were able the manage the effects of Cyclone Vaianu. This was helped by the storm moving rapidly out to sea on Sunday evening.  Our teams are now back to business as usual and will continue to monitor the weather as we always do.

Our thoughts are with the communities further north who are experiencing the impacts of this event, and with the teams working hard to support them.

---------

12 April 2026 - 8.15pm

EOC Update – Sunday, 12 April, 8.15pm

Ex-Cyclone Vaianu rain is now moving east off the Tararua District coast. However, strong winds and swells are still expected to affect the district through the night. MetService will provide a forecast update at 9pm.

Tararua’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), which has been active since 4pm, is expected to stand down for the night. Monitoring will continue remotely by the team.

The Regional Emergency Operations Centre will remain active overnight. People can continue to contact emergency services and request council assistance if needed.

Particular attention remains on coastal communities at Ākitio and Herbertville, where storm surge and tidal risk continue to be a concern.

Possible impacts include:

• Streams and rivers may rise suddenly
• Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions
• Trees and power poles down, causing roading issues and power outages

Recycling collection tomorrow:

At this stage, glass collection is still planned to go ahead. If you do put your crate out, please consider the conditions in your area. While it will likely be stable when full, empty crates could be blown away in strong winds. If conditions are severe where you are, it may be best to hold off this time.

-------

12 April 2026 -  5pm

Cyclone Vaianu – Update for Tararua District

First of all, a huge thank you to everyone across our district. You should be proud of the way you’ve prepared for Cyclone Vaianu over the past few days, those efforts make a real difference.

Cyclone Vaianu is now moving through the Tararua District, and we are already seeing and feeling some of its effects, particularly in coastal areas.

An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been stood up from 4pm to monitor the situation as it unfolds. This is a proactive step, building on preparations made since Friday.

So far, this remains a Business as Usual response, no emergency has been declared.

We are working closely with our community partners, essential services, and local contacts across the district to stay connected and respond as needed.

What we are seeing and expecting:

• Strong wind gusts already being reported in coastal areas, expected to move further inland this evening and overnight
• Rain is setting in now, with heavier rain expected later this evening, moving from the north of the district towards the coast
• Strong winds forecast from around 10pm through to 8am
• High swells along the coast
• Around 90 customers currently without power in coastal areas, with crews working to restore supply

What to expect:

• Severe gales in exposed places
• Possible damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures
• Streams and rivers may rise rapidly
• Possible surface flooding and slips
• Wet roads and difficult driving conditions
• Heavy swells — please stay well clear of the water

MetService warnings in place:

• Strong Wind Warning: 10pm Sunday to 8am Monday — gusts up to 120 km/h in exposed areas
• Heavy Rain Warning (Tararua Ranges): 90–120mm expected, with peak intensities Sunday afternoon and evening
• Heavy Rain Warning (Coastal Tararua): 70–100mm expected, with intense localised downpours possible

What you can do:

• Avoid unnecessary travel, especially overnight
• Secure loose items around your property
• Stay informed via our website and Facebook page
• Check our road status page on our website for the latest updates — this is updated regularly as conditions change
• Report any issues or damage to us on 06 374 4080 or 06 376 0110
• If it is an emergency, call 111 immediately

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as things develop.

Please refer to our previous posts and our website for further information.

--------------

12 April 2026 -  11am

As Cyclone Vaianu starts to hit other regions, we are monitoring the situation and will put updates out if anything escalates in our district. Our Emergency Management Team are in regular contact, and will be meeting this afternoon as the more severe weather is predicted to hit our district.

𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗨𝗔 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧

10 hours from 10:00pm Sun 12 Apr to 8:00am Mon 13 Apr

Easterly quarter winds tending severe gale westerlies Sunday night, gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗨𝗔 𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦

18hrs from 3am - 9pm Sun, 12 Apr

Expect 90 to 120 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h expected Sunday afternoon and evening.

Minimal chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

HEAVY RAIN WARNING COASTAL TARARUA

Coastal Tararua – a heavy rain warning for the coastal hills of Hawke’s Bay south of Cape Kidnappers and Wairarapa, which includes the Tararua District, is also in place from 11am to midnight on Sunday. Expect 70 to 100mm with peak rates of 25 to 40mm/h possible in localised downpours this afternoon and evening

_______________________________________________________________________

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:

Severe gales in exposed places

Possible damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures

Streams and rivers may rise rapidly

Possible surface flooding and slips

Wet roads and difficult driving conditions are possible

Heavy swells are also possible. Please take extra care and stay well clear of the water

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗼:

Bring inside or tie down anything that can be broken or picked up by strong winds - such as outdoor furniture and trampolines

Remove any debris or loose items from your property

Bring pets indoors

Clear leaves from drains (they block faster than you think)

Keep an eye on low-lying areas

Drive cautiously. Avoid travel if possible

Stay clear of rivers and the ocean

Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need your help

Check that you have alternate lighting and/or power source in case of power cuts

Keep an eye on https://www.metservice.com for the latest weather updates

----------

11 April 2026

The latest warnings and watches from MetService New Zealand for Tararua: