​ ​ ​ ​ ​
Contact

Search

Cyclone Vaianu update

Date:
Category:
Civil Defence

Update: Monday, April 13

Strong collaboration across Western Waikato during Cyclone Vaianu

We are pleased to confirm that the impacts of Cyclone Vaianu on 12 April across the Western Waikato districts of Ōtorohanga, Waipā and Waitomo were minor and localised.

The three district councils worked seamlessly together in a Western Waikato Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Te Awamutu, supporting our communities during the weather event.

Read the full media release.

Update: Sunday, April 12

Find the latest MetService warning and watch updates for our area:

Strong Wind Warning - Orange

Period: 9am Sunday, April 12, to 3am Monday, April 13

Forecast: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerlies late afternoon or evening, gusting 120km/h in exposed places. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Action: Prepare your property by securing items that could be blown away by strong winds. Drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.

Heavy Rain Watch

Period: 9am to 6pm Sunday, April 12

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

Follow the latest updates directly from the MetService website.

Update: Saturday, April 11

A pre-emptive Waikato region-wide State of Emergency has been declared as Cyclone Vaianu approaches, with authorities preparing for the potential impacts of severe weather across the region.

The declaration reflects ongoing uncertainty about the cyclone’s track and the risk of heavy rain, strong winds and further land instability. For Waipā, conditions are being closely monitored, particularly in areas where the ground is already saturated and more vulnerable to slips and localised flooding.

Media release: Region-wide State of Emergency declared as Waipā prepares for Cyclone Vaianu

MetService warnings issued yesterday remain in place for our area, including:

Strong Wind Warning – Orange

Period: 10am to 10pm, Sunday April 12
Forecast: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerlies Sunday afternoon or evening, with gusts up to 120km/h in exposed places.

Heavy Rain Watch – Yellow

Period: 3am to 6pm, Sunday April 12
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, amounts may approach warning criteria.
Impacts: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.

The regional declaration provides additional flexibility to take precautionary action where required, including potential proactive evacuations and a faster response to changing conditions if the cyclone track shifts.

While the region-wide State of Emergency is now in place, the response remains locally led. Decisions for Waipā will continue to be made based on local conditions and community impacts.

What you should do now

  • Stay up to date with official weather and emergency updates
  • Secure loose outdoor items around your property
  • Clear drains and gutters where it is safe to do so
  • Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain or strong winds
  • Stay away from beaches.
  • Check on neighbours, whānau and those who may need extra support
  • Have a plan to shelter at home, deal with potential power outages, or evacuate if necessary.
  • Be prepared to evacuate. Keep your grab bag close. The grab bag should have essential items like medication, warm clothes, important documents and supplies for babies and pets.
  • Visit www.metservice.com/warnings/home, https://getready.govt.nz and www.waikatocivildefence.govt.nz for more information.

Update: Friday, April 10

Strong Wind Warning – Orange

Period: 10am to 10pm, Sunday April 12

Forecast: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerlies Sunday afternoon or evening, with gusts up to 120km/h in exposed places.

Impacts: Trees, powerlines, and roofs may be damaged. Disruption to transport and power supply is possible. Dangerous driving conditions are expected, particularly for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Heavy Rain Watch– Yellow

Period: 3am to 6pm, Sunday April 12

Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, amounts may approach warning criteria.

Impacts: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible, including on rural roads across Waipā.

MetService advises there is a moderate chance the warning could be upgraded to Red, and the watch to a warning as the system develops.

Waipā residents are encouraged to stay alert, as localised heavy rain and wind gusts may still cause disruption depending on the system’s track.

Ongoing updates
Waipā emergency hub

Preparation underway as Cyclone Vaianu approaches

Waipā District Council teams and contractors are in preparation mode as Cyclone Vaianu approaches, taking precautions ahead of the potential for severe weather impacts across the district.

While forecast details continue to evolve, experience shows the importance of early preparation and staying alert to changing conditions.

Behind the scenes, Emergency Management staff are monitoring forecasts, working with regional and national partners, and liaising with local contacts who provide valuable on-the-ground information. Council teams and contractors are carrying out pre-event checks and are on standby to respond if required.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed over the coming days, check forecasts regularly, and follow any safety advice issued by authorities.

Parks, reserves and forestry areas

Tuesday, April 14: The tracks at Pirongia Forest have been reopened today after they were closed over the weekend as a precaution for Cyclone Vaianu.

The tracks have been checked and are now safe to use.

Here’s what you need to know before you head out:

  • Tracks south of Mangawawe Stream are open
  • Sainsbury Road extension is good to go for walkers and horse riders
  • Tracks north of Mangawawe Stream are still closed

Friday, April 10: Waipā District Council has pre-emptively closed Pirongia Forest Park for the weekend, as a precaution ahead of forecast strong winds.

If sustained strong winds are forecast in other areas, Council may also need to close additional parks, reserves and recreation areas for public safety. Any further decisions will be made once the latest forecasts are reviewed and will be communicated through Council channels.

Where closures are in place, access points will be clearly signposted and gates may be locked. The public is asked to respect closures due to the risk of falling trees, branches, and debris.

Recycling bins and other bins (rubbish, organic)

Severe gales are expected on Sunday. To keep our streets safe, please follow the steps below.

Before Sunday afternoon:

  • Keep your recycling bin close to your home, do not leave it on the kerb
  • If your bin is already out, bring it back in immediately
  • Make sure the lid is firmly closed to prevent loose waste from becoming a hazard

If we’re collecting your recycling on Monday, April 13:

  • Put your bin out on Monday morning, before 7am, instead of Sunday night

Key safety advice during severe weather

Residents are encouraged to take simple steps now:

  • Clear gutters, drains, and roadside culverts near your property
  • Secure or bring in loose outdoor items
  • Check emergency supplies and household plans
  • Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather
  • Never drive or walk through floodwaters
  • Check on neighbours, especially those who may need extra support
  • Bring pets indoors

Stay informed

Share this

Share this page

Sharing...