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Cyclone Vaianu – State Of Local Emergency Declared For Tauranga
Today, Saturday 11 April 2026 at 5:35pm, Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale declared a state of local emergency for Tauranga, in preparation for the arrival of Cyclone Vaianu.
The declaration allows the response to worsening weather conditions to be swift and coordinated, helping to minimise the risk to people and property.
This precautionary step ensures Controllers and others with emergency powers can respond quickly and efficiently to keep people safe. These powers include the ability to close roads or public places, carry out urgent works, remove or secure dangerous structures and materials, and provide first aid, food, or shelter where needed.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the decision to declare a Local State of Emergency is about giving emergency services extra powers to act quickly, if required, to keep people safe.
“Declaring early is a precautionary measure,” Mahé says.
“Our Emergency Operations Centre is active and ready to respond as needed to support Tauranga throughout this event.
“We are encouraging people who live in coastal or low-lying properties, particularly those that are known to have flooded before, to take this situation seriously and consider self-evacuating early.
“Please continue to follow official updates, look out for one another, and check on neighbours who may need support.” Mahé says
More
information
For the latest council updates,
visit our weather event hub at www.tauranga.govt.nz/weatherevent
FollowBay of Plenty Civil Defence andMetService New Zealand for the latest weather and emergency updates, and Waka Kotahi for road closures and slips.
- Weather updates: www.metservice.com
- Emergency information: https://www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence
- State highway closures: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/bay-of-plenty
- Council Facebook www.facebook.com/TaurangaCityCouncil
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.
If life is in danger, call 111 immediately.
Stay safe out there and look out for each other.
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