As we continue to track Cyclone Vaianu, we have several updates to share with the community.

Cyclone Vaianu is expected to impact Tauranga on Sunday, 12 April, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, and the potential for significant coastal inundation. An Orange Strong Wind Warning and Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in place in Tauranga on Sunday, with a moderate chance of the Heavy Rain Warning being upgraded to Red and a high change of the Strong Wind Warning being upgraded to Red.

In response to this, Tauranga City Council is activating its Emergency Operations Centre tomorrow.

Now is the time to make sure you, your whanau and property are safe and prepared for the weekend.

Get prepared
Make sure drains around your property are clear of waste and debris, such as cut grass or garden clippings. Bring inside or tie down anything that strong winds could break or pick up, such as trampolines, wheelie bins or outdoor furniture. Secure building and renovation sites by tying down or safely storing materials, equipment, and temporary structures.

In some areas, the ground is still saturated after recent heavy rain - and this means the risk of landslides is increased. Watch warning signs like small slips or rockfalls, water flowing out of a slope, trees or fences that start to tilt, or doors and window frames that start to stick.

Make sure you have everything you need for the weekend to avoid unnecessary travel on Sunday. It’s always a good idea to have a grab bag ready. For what should be included in a grab bag, and more emergency planning advice, visit the Get Ready website at www.getready.govt.nz

Council facilities, parks and reserves
With the safety of our community, staff and visitors as our top priority, from Saturday afternoon until Monday morning there will be no public access to all council parks and reserves with lockable gates. The gates and public toilets in those parks will be locked. Public toilets not located in these parks will remain open. Several walking tracks across Tauranga are also closed.

All Te Ao Mārama – Libraries, Baycourt, The Cargo Shed, The Historic Village and Te Maunga transfer station are closed on Sunday, 12 April. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and will advise if there are any changes, or if additional closures are required.

All facilities operated by Bay Venues will also close on Sunday. This includes Baywave, Mercury Baypark, UoW Haumaru Sport & Recreation Centre, Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Clubfit gyms, as well as all other aquatic facilities, indoor court venues, cafes, and community centres and halls.

A full list of closed facilities, parks, reserves and walking tracks is on our weather event information page.

Storm surge, coastal inundation and flood water
Hazardous coastal conditions and storm surge can be expected and can cause high sea levels, powerful waves, and rapid coastal and harbour flooding. Strong waves and storm surge can flood homes, damage buildings, and destroy roads and services. 
Be ready to act quickly. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly and without warning, even if it is not raining heavily. 

If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwaters – they are dangerous and can be deadly. 

Sandbags
If your property is prone to flooding, consider organising sandbags through local hardware or garden supply stores. Sandbags are not waterproof and are unlikely to stop water entering a house. They are best used for directing water flow rather than keeping property dry.

Please note: There is a bylaw that prohibits the removal of sand from our beaches and foreshores.

Strong winds
Strong winds can damage powerlines, unsecured structures, and can lead to falling trees and branches – take care around trees which may become unstable and fall.

Kerbside collections
Monday’s kerbside collection is planned to go ahead as normal however due to the strong wind expected, please do not put your bins out on Sunday and place them at kerbside on Monday morning before 7am. We will provide an update if Monday’s kerbside collections are impacted.

Reporting damage or flooding
If you see damage or flooding, you can contact Tauranga City Council anytime on 07 577 7000. If you are in danger or your property is under immediate threat during a storm event, please contact emergency services on 111.

Stay up to date with the latest weather information from MetService and the Bay of Plenty Emergency Management group at www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz. Council will provide updates throughout the weekend which will be available at our weather event information page and Newsbeat.

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