Bay of Plenty Regional Council Harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters said the MetService forecast for the region of heavy rain, strong winds and swells of up to 5m, created dangerous conditions for boaties.
“Conditions on the water heading into the long weekend will be rough, uncomfortable and potentially hazardous.
“We encourage skippers to check both the latest marine forecast and the weather conditions before carefully considering whether they head out or not.”
Peters said safe boating practices were vital when faced with more challenging weather.
“We want everyone to enjoy their Easter holiday, but ask that boaties make the right decision to ensure that they, and those they are responsible for, remain safe.”
Fallen trees
In the Bay of Plenty, a tree struck a car after strong winds caused it to fall on to SH5 north of Rotorua this morning.
“A bridge on State Highway 29 east of Te Poi is blocked, after a tree fell across the bridge this morning,” a police spokesperson said.
“The tree struck a car when it fell - fortunately the driver was uninjured.
“The road is expected to remain closed for at least the next four hours, while a structural assessment of the bridge is carried out.
“We’re also starting to experience high winds in the Coromandel and we’re urging motorists - particularly those in light or high-sided vehicles - to exercise caution if travel is necessary.”
Strong winds are affecting the Waikato & Bay of Plenty regions today with reports of fallen trees in some locations. Drive with caution & be mindful of possible debris & other issues on all roads this morning. Check our Highway Map for details: https://t.co/wnzmK0uBRC ^TP pic.twitter.com/UWwdWXrElx
— NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty (@nztawbop) April 16, 2025
Council warnings
Moturiki (Leisure Island) and the Mauao base track are closed due to high swells caused by the incoming ex-Cyclone Tam, Tauranga City Council said.
This closure is to ensure public safety, and we strongly urge the public to stay away from coastal areas until the weather has eased, a spokesperson said.
Rotorua Lakes Council and Tauranga City Council were both monitoring weather conditions with staff and contractors on standby.
Moturiki (Leisure Island) and the Mauao base track are closed due to high swells. Photo / Tauranga City Council
“If we do get heavy rain this may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly so residents living near waterways should stay alert,” a Rotorua Lakes Council spokesperson said.
“This could also cause surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions so extra care will be needed if you are on the roads.
“Be prepared and check drains at home to ensure they are clear of debris.
The council said lake weed may accumulate on Lake Rotorua shorelines.
Significant winds are set to continue up north today, while the North Island and upper South Island can expect rain at times
“Rotorua Lakes Council will collaborate with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Te Arawa Lakes Trust and Land Information NZ on a plan for removal after the weather has passed if that’s needed.
“It’s a handbag plus snacks and drinks and a jumper. But size it up just in case you think your journey will take longer than first thought,” Glass said.
Because of high traffic volume, drivers need to keep an eye out for on-road debris. High winds are likely to affect vehicles on the road.
“That’s the kind of thing we just want people to be aware of.”
Ex-tropical Cyclone Tam is expected to bring 'the strongest winds since 2017' to Auckland, Northland and the Coromandel.
The worst of the weather is hitting today with heavy rain, strong winds and 6m swells.
Coromandel townships are being cut off by flooding this evening.
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17 April, 10:49 am
These live updates are now over. Please follow tomorrow for more storm coverage.
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17 April, 10:18 am
Person rescued from Coromandel flooding
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said the Onemana fire brigade rescued a person trapped in a car in floodwaters on SH25.
"They rescued him from the vehicle and brought him to safety. It was excellent work by the crew."
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17 April, 10:06 am
Police urge motorists to delay travel
Police ask motorists travelling around Thames and the Coromandel to be extra cautious this evening.
There are reports of vehicles becoming stuck in floodwaters.
"Police are receiving numerous reports of surface flooding in the area, including on parts of SH25," Waikato Police said.
"We advise people to delay any unnecessary travel, if possible."
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17 April, 09:35 am
Auckland's CBD lashed by wind, rain
Strong gale-force winds are lashing Auckland's CBD tonight as a storm moves across the country.
New Zealand Herald photograph by Hayden Woodward
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17 April, 08:27 am
Flooding on both sides of Coromandel as high tide approaches
Flooding is isolating multiple townships on the Coromandel Peninsula tonight. Heavy rain is continuing to fall, and high tide is approaching around 11.30pm.
State Highway 25 is now affected on both sides of the peninsula – at Hikuai, 12km south of Tairua, and at Manaia on the Thames Coast – leaving no safe highway access to Tairua, Whitianga or Coromandel township.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi warns that while the road is currently passable for 4WD vehicles, worsening conditions are expected to force full closures on both sides of SH25 within hours.
Surface flooding has also been reported on State Highway 2 at Waikino in the Karangahake Gorge, and motorists are urged to take extra care or delay travel where possible.
Power outages continue in Counties as crews work through stormy conditions
Power remains out in parts of the Counties Energy network tonight as crews work to restore supply following a day of stormy weather.
Counties Energy says outages were experienced across several areas, with restoration efforts ongoing. Some customers are expected to remain without power into the night.
The company advised, "If you are currently without power, you may want to consider making alternative plans for dinner. ]"
Residents are also reminded that some local businesses may be closed for Good Friday and over the Easter weekend.
Cyclone Tam has rolled across the top of the North Island, causing power cuts, falling trees, and near-misses. Read here
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17 April, 07:37 am
Cold, dark night ahead for thousands
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17 April, 07:36 am
Hazardous road conditions on SH25 at Manaia
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17 April, 07:29 am
Scenes from earlier today
Windsurfer rescued
A windsurfer was rescued by Coastguard on Tauranga Harbour on Wednesday evening and boaties are being urged to avoid heading out on the water.
“At approximately 6pm this evening, Coastguard was contacted by a member of the public who had spotted a windsurfer in difficulty near Otūmoetai channel, off Beach Road,” said a Coastguard Tauranga spokesperson.
Coastguard said within minutes, 14 of their Tauranga volunteers training on their two rescue vessels nearby were on the scene and found the windsurfer.
