Tauranga City Council acknowledges it’s been a challenging start to 2026, with several recent weather events impacting our city. With Cyclone Vaianu now approaching New Zealand, it’s understandable that people may be feeling unsettled.

What we are doing
We are closely monitoring Cyclone Vaianu, which could bring damaging, potentially life-threatening winds, heavy rain and hazardous coastal conditions to the region.

A dedicated incident management team is continuously assessing the situation and is ready to activate if needed.

Our staff and contractors are carrying out all routine checks and preparations ahead of the forecast heavy rainfall.

We have established a dedicated weather event hub on our website for the latest council updates: www.tauranga.govt.nz/weatherevent

Getting ready
While the exact path of the cyclone is not 100% clear, it is important people prepare in case the storm heads our way. Taking a few simple steps now can ease stress and help you feel more in control if conditions worsen.

We encourage people to consider the following:

• Tropical cyclones can cause power outages and disruption to our roading and water networks. Ensure you have enough supplies for three days just to be on the safe side.
• Charge mobile phones and devices and think ahead about how you’d manage if power or communications were disrupted.
• Tie down trampolines, and secure wheelie bins and outdoor furniture. Strong winds can lift large, heavy objects and send them crashing into homes.
• Now’s a good time to check your gutters and clear drains.
• If you’re heading to the beach or out on the water, check the marine forecast regularly. Conditions can change quickly, with strong winds, rough seas, changing swell, and reduced visibility possible over the coming days. Keep up to date with the latest MetService weather information Weather Warnings & Watches | MetService
• Identify a safe place in your home to gather during a tropical cyclone. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors. These could break in strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.
• It’s always a good idea to have a grab bag ready. For emergency planning advice and information visit the Get Ready website at https://getready.govt.nz/en/  If you feel unsafe in your home, we encourage you to stay with friends, family, or whānau if possible. Remember to take pets and essential items with you, including medications.

Need to report an issue? 
If you need to report an issue, please call our contact centre on 07 577 7000 and provide the exact location. Our team is available 24/7. For the latest weather updates, please continue to check the MetService website Weather Warnings & Watches | MetService - https://govt.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=6a999872975eb9c07f69abb70&id=35d14f5508&e=745e0a8107

Looking out for each other
Checking in on neighbours, friends, and whānau can make a real difference. A quick call or message may be especially reassuring for someone who’s feeling anxious or isolated.

Please take care and stay safe.

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