The localised state of emergency for Hawke’s Bay has been lifted as of midday today, now that Cyclone Vaianu has moved southeast away from New Zealand and conditions have eased.

The state of emergency covered coastal areas of Central Hawke’s Bay, Hastings, and Napier, and did not include any part of the Wairoa District.

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (HBCDEM) Group Controller Shane Briggs says weather conditions have improved, the region has not felt any significant impacts, and emergency response powers are no longer required.

“Overall, Hawke’s Bay appears to have come through the cyclone well, and at midday today, the local state of emergency was lifted,” Shane Briggs said.

“Although the cyclone has now moved well offshore, we’re asking people to continue to take care, particularly when driving, as there may still be debris or fallen branches on roads.

“Council teams have been out from first light this morning carrying out assessments and clearing hazards where required,” Shane Briggs said.

The state of emergency had been declared as a precautionary measure to enable timely evacuations and provide Civil Defence with additional powers to respond to the forecast impacts of the cyclone.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Chair Sophie Siers thanked communities for their cooperation and preparedness throughout the event.

“The region worked closely together through Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence, our councils, mayors, emergency services, and partner agencies. Taking a precautionary approach helped ensure our communities were prepared for the worst, even though the impacts were less severe than initially forecast,” Sophie Siers said.

For further updates, follow the Hawk’s Bay Emergency Management website and official social media channels, and your local council’s official channels.

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