Whangārei is prepared for a busy Auckland / Northland Anniversary Weekend, with most of the District "back to normal" after heavy rain. However access is very limited to the storm-affected area around Ōakura, and non-residents will not be able to get there.

"There is a significant slip on Russell Road at Helena Bay Hill, completely blocking public access, and pending a complex geotechnical assessment before clearance can begin." says Mayor Ken Couper.

"We have established an essential life-line for full-time residents in Helena Bay and the Ōakura area, but it is fragile, and must be preserved for essential traffic only. A checkpoint at Kaiikanui Road will be stopping traffic to enforce this. We understand that people who own holiday-homes will be keen to visit and assess them, but at this stage we must ask for your patience - only full-time residents will be allowed through."

"Although the cleanup on the north-east coast continues, the rest of Whangārei District is now accessible and looking forward to a busy long-weekend."

Rapid building assessments in the storm-affected area continue, with official safety designations expected around noon Friday 23 January 2026.

• Latest updates regarding the clean-up can be found at https://www.wdc.govt.nz/Community/Civil-Defence/Latest-updates
• Visitor information for Whangārei District: www.whangareinz.com/

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