As Cyclone Vaianu tracked towards New Zealand, Police in Hawke’s Bay worked with partner agencies to coordinate evacuations from at-risk areas.

More than 500 homes in coastal areas of Hawke’s Bay were asked to evacuate. Mandatory orders were issued for the most at-risk coastal homes in Haumoana, driven by the growing threat of dangerous sea swells and destructive winds.

But it was the joint effort between Police and emergency partners that proved critical in reaching residents quickly and effectively.

Police teams partnered with Land Search and Rescue (LandSAR) volunteers, FENZ, St John Ambulance, local councils and Civil Defence Emergency Management to carry out widespread notifications, going door-to-door ensuring every household understood the seriousness of the situation.

Eastern District Commander Superintendent Joel Lamb says the unified approach allowed resources to be shared and coverage to be maximised.

“The operation relied on strong collaboration," he says. "By working together, we were able to contact residents efficiently and reduce the risk to life as Cyclone Vaianu approached.”

Joel says the work of the LandSAR and Fire and Emergency volunteers in particular was incredible. At times during the weekend Haumoana Fire Station was used as a base for evacuation teams.

“These are members of our community who gave up their time voluntarily, working alongside Police throughout the weekend, visiting homes to ensure everyone was informed of the dangers of the cyclone.”

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