A local state of emergency has been declared in Hawke’s Bay, specifically for the coastal areas of Central Hawke’s Bay, Hastings, and Napier.

The declaration does not include any part of the Wairoa District.

The state of emergency has been declared for an initial period of seven days, as part of the response to Cyclone Vaianu.

The emergency declaration was signed by Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (HBCDEM) and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chair Sophie Siers at 11.56am today.

Chair Siers noted that the region is working closely together through HBCDEM, the region's mayors, and emergency services. This declaration is an important precaution ahead of the incoming cyclone.

The declaration gives Civil Defence Emergency Management controllers special emergency powers to respond to the impacts of Cyclone Vaianu. These powers include evacuating premises and places, which will start in targeted beachfront areas early this afternoon.

HBCDEM group controller Shane Briggs says it is critical residents heed police and Civil Defence instructions and messages.

“Declaring an emergency is a step under our legislation that gives Civil Defence controllers additional resources and emergency powers to deal with the situation,” Shane Briggs said.

“The most important thing is that everyone stays safe. For those outside of the evacuation areas, please make decisions based on the risk at your home. Self-evacuate if you feel at all unsafe. For those staying at home during the cyclone, stay off the roads and, as always, if there is a risk to life call 111 immediately,” Shane Briggs said.

The councils for each of the impacted coastal areas, supported by HBCDEM and Police, will coordinate the evacuations. They will be releasing public information following this declaration notice.

HBCDEM, councils and contractors, emergency services, and partner agencies such as health and welfare agencies have all been making coordinated preparations, holding regular briefings and sharing information.

Shane Briggs has asked all Hawke’s Bay residents to continue to stay up-to-date with weather forecasts and official information, have a household emergency plan in case they need to evacuate, check on neighbours, and avoid non-essential travel.

For the latest cyclone information, follow the HBCDEM website and Facebook page. For evacuation information follow your local council’s channels.

© Scoop Media