18 February 2026
Joint media statement – Western Waikato Emergency Operations Centre

Ensuring support for residents isolated by damaged roads and bridges and identifying urgent needs in the community remain a key focus for the State of Emergency response, along with maintaining Pirongia’s drinking water supply and continuing returning local roads to service.

The response is being managed by a joint Civil Defence Emergency Operations Centre operating from Ōtorohanga District Council. The centre is supporting Waipā and Ōtorohanga councils with their respective states of emergency.

Solution in progress for Pirongia water, conservation still needed

Pirongia residents have done an outstanding job of conserving water for the last five days, despite returning to work and school. Pirongia water is currently being supplied from a bore-fed reservoir with limited capacity, while emergency work is underway to install infrastructure to boost resilience in the network.

A solution is expected to be in place by Sunday, which will reduce the need to conserve water. Tankered water remains a contingency in the meantime, with water tanks in place to support the fire service if needed.

Drop-in open days supporting locals

Civil Defence has arranged three local open days to help people access support from social service agencies. The events this week in Ōtorohanga and Waipā Districts are designed as ‘one-stop shops’ to make it easier for those most affected by the weather events to find out more about support options.

Welfare requests by individuals and families are also being co-ordinated throughHere to Help U. People can contact 0800 568 273.

The open days are:

• Thursday 19 February – 11 am to 7 pm at the Crossroads Hall, 4 Te Kawa Rd, Tokanui
• Friday 20 February – 11 am to 7 pm at Pirongia Community Centre, 574 Crozier St, Pirongia
• Saturday 21 February – 10am to 3pm at Ōtorohanga Truck and Ute Show, Island Reserve

Donations

Thank you to everyone who has offered support, services or donations to help affected communities – there have been so many thoughtful and generous offers. Right now, the best way you can help is to donate to the Waipā and Ōtorohanga Mayoral Relief funds – this enables Civil Defence to get the right support to the people who need it.

Isolated properties

Welfare teams are doing their best to contact all residents whose properties are affected by road closures. Those that remain in their properties are encouraged to contact 0800 568 273 if they need any support.

Status of roads

Work to clear roads and inspect multiple culverts and bridges is still underway. Anyone travelling in affected areas is urged to check NZTA Waka Kotahi’s online journey planner for state highways, or the Ōtorohanga District Council or Waipā District Council websites.

As at 12.10pm on Wednesday 18 February, these roads are closed:

Ōtorohanga District

• Aotearoa Road
• Lurman Road
• Mangati Road
• Otoru Road
• State Highway 39
• Tauraroa Valley Road
• Otewa Road

Waipā District

• Corcoran Road
• Manguika Road
• Rotongata Road/Waipapa Road intersection
• Whatauri Road

Please take extra care on the roads, obey all road signs, and do not move road cones or attempt to travel on closed roads.

Building inspections

Council building inspectors with specific photographic ID are visiting affected properties in Ōtorohanga District. The inspectors are carrying out Rapid Building Assessments (RBA) in the storm-affected areas, with a placard system used for properties which have been inspected. The Building Inspection staff have specific photographic ID available on request.

Contractors from Te Miro Water are visiting a small number of properties in Ōtorohanga District, authorised by the Emergency Operations Centre, to assess flood impacts.

Update:

Māori Wardens are working with 51 individuals in the Oparau community, undertaking needs assessments. They are not located at Waipapa Marae, as previously stated.

© Scoop Media