Residents across the Western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua are being urged to prepare as a significant weather system threatens to bring heavy rain, strong winds and dangerous coastal conditions this weekend.
MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for a number of areas, including the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty west of Whakatāne, including Rotorua.
The watch is in place for 14 hours from 2am to 4pm on Sunday, with forecasters warning that rainfall totals may approach or exceed warning levels.
“The combination of damaging winds, heavy rain and coastal inundation makes this a multi-hazard, potentially life-threatening event,” MetService said in an updated weather statement.
“The locations of the most severe impacts associated with Cyclone Vaianu, such as power outages, falling trees, flooding, slips, road closures and isolated communities, are highly dependent on the cyclone’s track.”
A strong wind watch has also been issued for the western parts of the North Island, stretching from the Coromandel Peninsula to Wellington.
The watch will be in force for 21 hours from 4am Sunday to 1am Monday, April 13.
MetService said winds are set to strengthen, and rain is expected to arrive in Northland late on Saturday before spreading across the North Island on Sunday.
“Cyclone Vaianu will move quickly across the country during Sunday and Monday, spreading rain and strong winds across the top of the South Island and the Chatham Islands before clearing to the southeast.”
The National Emergency Management Agency is urging people to take steps now to prepare for the expected conditions.
This includes clearing drains and gutters to reduce flooding risk, securing outdoor items that could be picked up by strong winds, avoiding low‑lying or flood‑prone areas, and driving with care if travel is essential.
An updated forecast is expected at 10am on Friday.
Residents are being urged to prepare as Cyclone Vaianu tracks towards New Zealand.
Tauranga City Council said it understands the cyclone’s approach may be unsettling for many people and wants to reassure the community that preparations are well underway.
A dedicated incident management team has been established and is continually assessing the situation.
Council said the team is ready to activate further response measures if required.
Council staff and contractors are also carrying out routine checks and preparations ahead of the forecast rainfall.
A dedicated weather hub has also been established on the council’s website.
While the exact track of Cyclone Vaianu is still uncertain, the council is encouraging people to take practical steps now so they are prepared if the storm moves closer.
People are encouraged to fully charge mobile phones and electronic devices and consider how they would manage if power or communications were interrupted.
Securing outdoor items is another key priority. Strong winds can lift heavy objects, so residents are urged to tie down trampolines, secure wheelie bins and outdoor furniture, and check that properties are as wind‑safe as possible, the council said.
Clearing gutters and drains is also recommended to help reduce surface flooding.
People are also advised to have an emergency go bag ready, just in case.
If residents need to report storm‑related issues, Tauranga City Council’s contact centre is available 24 hours a day on 07 577 7000.
Callers are asked to provide the exact location to assist response crews.
The council is also encouraging people to check in on neighbours, friends and whānau, particularly those who may be feeling anxious or isolated.
A quick phone call or message, the council said, can make a real difference during uncertain weather events.
Powerco is keeping a close eye on this potentially severe weather event and is planning to have extra crew on standby to attend any power outages.
Network operations head Mark Dunn said it was important to remember though, that in severe weather events, it takes time to reconnect all customers affected by outages.
“This is because it’s dangerous for our crews to climb poles in high winds so, for their safety, they may not be able to fix faults until the weather calms. And, if there are trees down over lines or roads closed because of flooding, it can be difficult for crews to quickly assess what needs to be done to fix damaged equipment.”
For these reasons, customers should prepare now to potentially be without power for several days if Tropical Cyclone Vaianu tracks causes extensive damage to the electricity network.
Putting away outdoor furniture, securing any loose debris, and tying down your trampoline are also important before high winds arrive, so they don’t take flight and hit power lines.
If you notice downed lines, for your safety, stay at least 10m away from the lines and poles - that’s about the length of a bus – and treat them live at all times.
If you encounter an emergency situation – such as downed lines – please call 0800 27 27 27 or 111.
Stay up to date on current outages by viewing our interactive outage map.