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Cyclone Vaianu - weather updates and advice

Date:
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News

Update: 6pm 12 April 2026

Data from our partners at Bay of Plenty Regional Council and intel from locals on the ground has confirmed that the rate of flows into Ngongotahā Stream is beginning to slow down. With rainfall reducing it is expected we will start to see the stream level start to drop soon.

Council’s Emergency Operations staff will continue to monitor the situation and liaise with Bay of Plenty Regional Council overnight.

While we are feeling more sure that the risk has reduced, we encourage Ngongotahā residents to remain alert and keep watch on council’s Facebook page and website in case of any changes.

If anyone is feeling unsafe, needs advice or needs to report weather-related issues please contact us on 07 348 4199 (24/7).

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Update
No official evacuations are in place at this time and if that changes we will let people know. If people want to self-evacuate they should go to friends and family in the first place. If that isn't an option our Energy Events Centre is open to take anyone who needs somewhere to go. If able please give us a call so we can assess needs ahead of arrival (07) 348 4199 (24/7).

Update: 3.15pm 12 April 2026

Residents close to Ngongotahā Stream are advised to stay on high alert and prepare for potential changes due to rising water levels.

“We are seeing more rain than forecasted in the Ngongotahā catchment,” Local Controller Stavros Michael says.

“The stream is still within capacity right now but we’re closely monitoring the situation on the ground and alongside our Bay of Plenty Regional Council colleagues and liaising directly with local contacts.

“Residents are encouraged to stay on high alert, keep an eye on local and council channels and prepare in case there is a need to evacuate,” Mr Michael says.

If you have somewhere you could go and stay, consider going there now as a precaution. If you do that make sure you let family members and/or your emergency contacts know.

If you want to leave but have nowhere to go call us on 07 348 4199.

If official evacuation is required help will be available and you’ll be advised about where to go.

Advice for preparing to evacuate in the event of flooding:

  • Lift valuable household items and chemicals as high above the floor as possible.
  • If you do leave, turn off utilities as it can help prevent damage to your home. Unplug small appliances to avoid damage from power surges.
  • What to take with you: warm clothes, medications, toiletries, some food, water and important documents such as passports, family photographs and insurance policies. Don’t forget your pets.
  • Never try to walk, swim, or drive through swift water. If it is moving swiftly, even water 15cm deep can sweep you off your feet and 30cm of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Call 111.
  • If you have a disability or need support, call 07 348 4199 to speak to our Civil Defence staff.
  • If you evacuate leave a note on your door that states where you've gone, how many people, any special needs (eg babies, illnesses) and any animals left behind. This is a big help for responder so they know you're accounted for.

In an emergency call 111

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Update: 2.30pm 12 April 2026

We’ve had an update from Lakes Prime Care that they are closed now for the rest of the day. All emergencies should report to the Emergency Department at Rotorua Hospital.

State highway closures

Two State Highway closures for the roads heading east towards the Pukehina and Whakatāne:.

  • State Highway 33 – Whakatāne turnoff to Paengaroa
  • State Highway 30 – Whakatāne turnoff to just after the Kawerau turnoff

Please continue to stay off the roads, stay home and stay safe.

Our crews are continuing to respond to weather-related calls.

If you are concerned or feel unsafe, self-evacuate to friends or family in the first instance. If you can't do that, give us a call on 07 348 4199 (24/7).

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Update: 1pm 12 April 2026

We are aware that there are a few power outages around town and Unison are on the job trying to restore power.

The advice is still to stay home and stay off the roads however, if you can’t remain at home please head to friends or family in the first instance. If you don’t have that option give us a call on 07 348 4199 (24/7) for advice on what to do.

Te Arawa FM has listed a number of local marae which have opened their doors for people who need it. If you must head out on the road take extra care, watch out for fallen trees, surface flooding or debris. Drive to the conditions. More on our Facebook post: HERE

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Update: 12.15pm 12 April 2026

Please only travel on the roads if absolutely necessary today and if you do need to drive, take extra care and be alert for slips, debris and fallen trees and powerlines.

CLOSED: State Highway 33 between Paengaroa and the turnoff from Rotorua to Whakatane is closed due to trees down within that section of the highway.

CLOSED: Jackson Road due to treefall, entangled in powerlines. Unison on site.

So far within our local roading network we have also responded to reports of fallen trees on Tarawera Road (cleared), Hamurana Road, Okareka Loop Road (cleared) and SH30 near Morehu Road. Where treefalls are entangled with powerlines, contractors will work alongside Unison crews.

Be aware that roads where there have been treefalls won’t necessarily be able to be totally cleared today. Today’s focus will be to make it safe.

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Update: 9am 12 April 2026

Stay on alert - civil defence staff ready to respond

The MetService New Zealand weather warnings for Rotorua remain the same this morning.

There is a Red Strong Wind Warning and an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for all of today until 8pm this evening.

According to MetService updates this morning Cyclone Vaianu has been moving towards Bay of Plenty and we are starting to see some strong winds here in Rotorua.

Rotorua Lakes Council’s Emergency Operations Centre is activated at Mode 4. We are continuing to monitor the forecast, keeping in touch with emergency services and contractors and our regional Civil Defence teams who are stood up around the North Island.

“We are aware that the news of measures being taken around the country have been alarming and will be causing a lot of concern for people here, but we can assure the community that our Civil Defence teams and partner agencies are in place and ready to respond swiftly should we need it,” says Rotorua Civil Defence Emergency Management Primary Controller Stavros Michael.

“We have not yet reached the level that is required to activate a State of Emergency. Our neighbours around the region are activating in response to the threat to their coastal regions and the storm surges that can come with cyclones.”

“At this point in time the safest place is to be at home. However, it is still important for people to be aware of their surroundings – if you notice anything concerning you can self-evacuate immediately.”

People should keep an eye on what’s happening around their own homes i.e. rising water, shifting ground, loose roofs. Residents can self-evacuate and stay with friends or family in the first instance. If you don’t have that option call Rotorua Lakes Council on 07 348 4199 (24/7).

  • In an emergency call 111 straight away.
  • We will continue to update this page and our Facebook page through today.
  • Other pages to watch are Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and MetService NZ for weather updates.
  • Official media outlets and radio stations will also have the latest essential information from authorities including any orders for evacuations if this is needed, and where to go if that happens.

Additional update 9.43am:

Today's shows at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre are cancelled. The centre is closed today.

The following shows are all cancelled due to the current red wind warning extending beyond these show times:

  • SpongeBob the Musical 2pm and 7pm
  • Gulab Sidhu Live Concert 6pm

For ticket-holders, the venue team is working with the event organisers to explore alternative dates, more information will be available as soon as possible.

Advice from NZTA

Crews are ready to respond as needed NZTA says affected state highways will be closed for the safety of both the public and roadworkers if necessary.

Keep up to date with:

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Should I stay or should I go?

We’ve had a few questions about welfare and evacuation centres.

We understand that the forecast and the warnings are concerning for many, and we want people to be as safe as possible, but at this stage we don’t need full welfare centres set up. We can assure the community resources ready and available if we need to set things up in a hurry.

Without knowing if/where the weather will hit, if we sent people somewhere now we could be sending them to an unsafe location.

There has been no official evacuations underway in Rotorua. The evacuations happening around the region are mostly coastal locations where the risk of impact is more likely.

  • At the moment the advice for our community and the best thing to do is to stay home and stay safe.
  • If people are concerned about where they are and need somewhere to stay, they should reach out to friends and family in the first instance
  • If they are really stuck, they can give us a call on 07 348 4199.

There has been a lot of planning behind the scenes over the past week. Here at council we have our Emergency Operations Centre set up and ready to go if we need it. We're in touch with our regional neighbours and local support organisations. All our teams are on standby for tomorrow's weather.

  • Any changes will be communicated swiftly and through as many channels as possible:
  • Keep an eye on local social media pages and radio stations.
  • If an official evacuation happens you will be notified about where to go.

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Update: 5.30pm 11 April 2026

Whakarewarewa Forest and local parks and reserves closed tomorrow

As a safety precaution, council will close Whakarewarewa Forest and Rotorua parks reserves tomorrow Sunday 12 April.

MetService upgraded its Strong Wind Warning to Red status this afternoon with severe gales expected and up to 130km/h winds in exposed places.

The Heavy Rain Warning remains at Orange status. Check the warning status here MetService New Zealand - Rotorua updates

To keep our community safe, council-owned road entrances to Titokorangi / Redwoods, Whakarewarewa, Te Pūtake o Tawa and Waipa will be closed to the public on Sunday.

Gates to the forest will be locked and signage will be in place. All commercial operators have been notified.

Group Manager Infrastructure & Assets, Stavros Michael says while forecasts can change, early action helps keep the community safe.

“Weather events can be unpredictable, so it’s important that we take a precautionary approach where we can. We are seeing similar measures around the region with local authorities making decisions ahead of time to protect their communities.

“With winds of this strength predicted, there is a high risk of tree fall, slips, and debris on roads. We strongly urge people to adhere to the closure and stay out of forest and any local parks or reserves. Avoid anywhere with large trees, exposed areas or near waterways. Stay home and stay safe.”

Council teams are well underway with planning for the approaching cyclone and will continue to update the community with the latest information and advice.

Local parks and reserves closed:

Local parks and reserves will also be closed and people should not be using these spaces tomorrow. The community and visitors should avoid these areas to reduce risk to themselves and others who may need to help in an emergency.

Extreme winds can cause trees to fall or dislodge heavy branches, and some open spaces have stormwater drains and streams which can rise rapidly in heavy rain. To avoid any dangerous situations, please do not go into these areas.

Rotorua Aquatic Centre and Landfill/Transfer Stations closed on Sunday 12 April

Rotorua Aquatic Centre will also be closed on Sunday as a safety measure for both staff and the public. We are encouraging people to avoid unnecessary travel so the pool will be closed.

Transfer stations at Okere, Tarawera and Te Ngae Road, as well as the main Landfill Transfer Station, will be closed on Sunday.

FOR ALL WEATHER-RELATED MATTERS

To report weather-related matters, or if you need help, and it's not an emergency, call Rotorua Lakes Council on 07 3484199 – our lines operate 24/7.

In an emergency call 111.

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Update: 4pm 11 April 2026

MetService New Zealand has upgraded the Strong Wind Warning to Red this afternoon. They are forcasting severe gale easterlies which are expected to change to severe gale northwesterlies by Sunday afternoon. Read the MetService Red Strong Wind Warning information below.

The Heavy Rain Warning remains at Orange but is now expected to being at 11pm this evening (Saturday 10 April).

Strong Wind Warning - Red Period: 16hrs from 4am - 8pm Sunday, 12 April

Area: Bay of Plenty and Rotorua

Forecast: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale north westerlies Sunday afternoon, with damaging gusts of 130km/h in exposed places.

Impact: Threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.

Action: Stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. Avoid travel. Be ready for power and communication outages.

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Update: 10am 11 April 2026

MetService New Zealand weather warnings for Sunday 12 April are still at Orange status with slightly different timings. The forecasted strong winds are expected now between 4am and 8pm.

Council teams are continuing to monitor the way Cyclone Vaianu is tracking towards us and are in contact with other councils and Civil Defence teams across the region. Rotorua Lakes Council Emergency Operations Centre staff, contractors and emergency services are on standby.

Weather can be extremely unpredictable so the best thing we can all do is be as prepared as possible.

Top safety tips during storms and severe weather:

  • Outside your home:
    • Check and clear drains and grates around your property to reduce the risk of flooding.
    • Bring items inside or tie them down. Make a list of anything that remains outside in case of damage or if it goes missing in the wind.
    • Keep items at hand for repairing windows – tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
    • In rural areas move livestock away from waterways and powerlines.
    • If your property is prone to flooding, consider organising sandbags through local hardware or building supply stores. For proper filling and stacking advice check out Civil Defence NZ – Using Sandbags
  • Postpone outdoor activities and travel.
  • Avoid waterways or low-lying areas – water can rise rapidly during and after heavy rain. If there is surface flooding in your area and you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
  • Check your emergency supplies and have a household plan. Make sure you have enough food, water, medications, and essentials for several days.
  • Charge phones and other devices, have torches ready and a battery or solar powered radio so you can receive updates if power is lost.
  • Never try to enter flood waters – even in a vehicle.
  • If you live near a waterway, consider staying somewhere else with friends or family. Be sure to tell someone where you are going.
  • Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
  • Bring pets indoors – if you have to leave your home take your pets with you.
  • Always follow instructions from emergency services.

How to stay up to date:

To report weather-related matters, or if you need help, and it's not an emergency, call Rotorua Lakes Council on 07 3484199 – our lines operate 24/7.

In an emergency call 111.

Information about council service changes:

  • Landfill and Transfer Stations Closed on Sunday - transfer stations at Okere, Tarawera and Te Ngae Road, as well as the Landfill Transfer Station, will be closed on Sunday.
  • Council may need to close Whakarewarewa Forest for recreational activity - a final call will be made Saturday evening (11 April).

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Update: 10.30am 10 April 2026

MetService New Zealand has issued two Orange weather warnings for Rotorua for this coming Sunday (12 April).

  • Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
    Period: 14hrs from 2am - 4pm Sunday 12 April.
    Area: Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane including Rotorua.
    Forecast: Expect 150 to 180 mm to accumulate, especially about the ranges. Peak intensities of 20 to 30 mm/hr Sunday morning and early afternoon.
    Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
  • Strong Wind Warning - Orange
    Period: 15hrs from 4am - 7pm Sunday 12 April.
    Area: Bay of Plenty and Rotorua.
    Forecast: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerly Sunday afternoon, gusting 130km/h in exposed places.
    Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and roofs likely, with disruption to transport and power supply. Dangerous driving conditions expected, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

According to MetService there is a high chance that the warnings will be upgraded to Red status.

For more information about what council is doing to prepare and what you can do at your own home, check our previous updates below.

For ongoing updates, go to www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz, check www.rotorualakescouncil.nz and follow Facebook pages for Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and Rotorua Lakes Council.

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Landfill and Transfer Stations Closed on Sunday

Please be advised that the Rotorua Lakes transfer stations at Okere, Tarawera and Te Ngae Road, as well as the Landfill Transfer Station, will be closed on Sunday due to the potential for severe weather.

This precautionary closure is to ensure the safety of staff, contractors, and the public. We will provide further updates on reopening as conditions allow.

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Preparation underway as Cyclone Vaianu approaches - 3.30pm 9 April 2026

Council teams and contractors are in preparation mode, taking precautions to gear up for the potential for more severe weather if Cyclone Vaianu impacts Rotorua.

Weather is unpredictable and recent events have highlighted that while we can monitor forecasts, it is always important to be as prepared as possible.

When the forecast predicts bad weather there is often a lot going on behind the scenes that people may not see. Rotorua Lakes Council has Emergency Management staff monitoring the weather, liaising with regional and national experts and talking with residents around the district who hold valuable local knowledge.

Teams within council and local contractors carry out pre-weather checks and are on standby 24/7 to respond to any issues.

“We have experienced just how unpredictable weather can be and while we can’t stop all issues, we can prepare as much as possible and encourage our community to do the same,” says Group Manager, Infrastructure & Assets Stavros Michael.

“We are taking a very cautious approach ahead of Cyclone Vaianu. The usual preparations are underway, and we are also looking at areas of risk and what we can do to reduce the likelihood of people being in harm’s way.

“One of the main concerns is always the impact of isolated or localised downpours in certain catchment areas. Often there can be minimal rain in one area, but another area will be experiencing flooding and inundation, as we have experienced this week with the slips and road damage to parts of our rural areas. While we can monitor rainfall it is often these occasions that are extremely hard to predict and where the most risk can occur.

“In the case of Cyclone Vaianu there is also the possibility of very strong and potentially damaging winds.

“We encourage our community to keep an eye on council’s channels over the next few days, stay up to date with the weather forecast and any regional roading updates via NZ Transport Agency and follow any safety advice or instructions from council or emergency services.”

Forest may need to be closed

If winds of more than 60km/h are forecast, the council may need to close Whakarewarewa Forest for recreational activity for safety reasons and will make a final call about this after the latest forecasts are reviewed on Saturday evening. The decision will be posted to council and other forest-related channels such as the Rotorua Trails Trust.

If the forest is closed, gates to key access areas will be locked with signage erected at these and other access points. This will also include the Scion dog park. We ask that the public not ignore a closure if it occurs as there will be a high risk of treefalls, slips and debris.

Businesses that operate in and around the forest environment have been alerted that the forest may need to be closed and those operating within the closed off areas will be closed.

Top safety tips during storms and severe weather:

  • Outside your home:
    • Check drains and grates around your property to reduce the risk of flooding.
    • Bring items inside or tie them down.
    • Keep items at hand for repairing windows – tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
    • In rural areas move livestock away from waterways and powerlines.
    • If your property is prone to flooding consider organising sandbags through local hardware or garden supply stores.
  • Postpone outdoor activities and travel.
  • Avoid waterways or low-lying areas – water can rise rapidly during and after heavy rain.
  • Never try to enter flood waters – even in a vehicle.
  • If you live near a waterway, consider staying somewhere else with friends or family.
  • Check your emergency supplies and have a household plan in case of an emergency.
  • Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
  • Bring pets indoors – if you have to leave your home take your pets with you.
  • Always follow instructions from emergency services.

How to stay up to date:

To report weather-related matters, or if you need help, and it's not an emergency, call Rotorua Lakes Council on 07 3484199 – our lines operate 24/7.

In an emergency call 111.

Advice from Health NZ - 48 hour no swim rule of thumb after heavy rain

  • It's best to avoid swimming in rivers, streams, beaches and harbour areas for at least 48 hours after heavy rain. There is likely to be contamination from rural and urban run-off in water ways. To avoid illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, skin infections or ear infections, follow the rule of thumb of no swimming for at least 48 hours after heavy rain.

Cyclone prep underway:

3 Waters:

  • Teams are carrying out heavy rain inspections on the stormwater network.
  • Preparation at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to prepare holding tanks.
  • Checks on back-up generators.
  • Contractors are preparing active work sites for heavy rain and wind.

Roading network

  • Contractors are checking the roading network.
  • Clean-ups are underway removing trees, debris and slips from weather-related damage that occurred overnight Wednesday.
  • Road closures are in place where damage has not yet been able to be repaired.
  • Contractors have arranged additional staff and resources so are ready to respond.

Emergency Management

  • Preparation for standing up Emergency Operations Centre.
  • Liaising with Emergency Management teams across the region.

Open Spaces

  • Potential forest closure
  • Teams will be carrying out checks on trees in reserves
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