Tauranga has declared a state of local emergency as Cyclone Vaianu bears down on the Bay of Plenty, bringing with it the threat of "unprecedented" coastal flooding, destructive winds and torrential rain. A similar declaration was made for the Western Bay of Plenty, with authorities across the region urging residents in low-lying and coastal areas to self-evacuate before conditions deteriorate.
The most dangerous period for Tauranga is expected at approximately 2pm today, when the cyclone's centre is forecast to coincide with high tide, creating a significant risk of a major storm surge. An emergency mobile alert has been sent to phones in coastal areas warning of the cyclone's impacts from 6pm.
Tauranga City Council has warned that a combination of large waves, high sea levels, and strong onshore winds could lead to "flooding at levels not previously seen". Residents in areas with a history of flooding have been told to seriously consider leaving now, as roads may become impassable quickly once the inundation begins.
"Act quickly to self-evacuate if you feel unsafe," the council advised. "Tauranga residents living in coastal and low-lying areas that have flooded before should seriously consider self-evacuating now."
State of emergency powers activated
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale declared the state of emergency on Saturday evening, a precautionary step that grants emergency services and officials additional powers to protect life and property. These powers, under New Zealand's Civil Defence Emergency Management Act, include the ability to close roads, carry out urgent works, secure dangerous structures, and provide necessities like food and shelter.
Declaring early is a precautionary measure. Our Emergency Operations Centre is active and ready to respond as needed to support Tauranga throughout this event. We are encouraging people who live in coastal or low-lying properties, particularly those that are known to have flooded before, to take this situation seriously and consider self-evacuating early.
The declaration is a formal process used to manage significant events and coordinate a multi-agency response. It signals the seriousness of the approaching storm and allows for a more nimble response to challenges such as evacuations, landslides, and infrastructure damage. States of emergency have also been declared in Whakatāne and the Waikato region, including the Coromandel Peninsula, which is also in the cyclone's path.
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer echoed the sentiment, stating the declaration for his district was about being prepared. "Declaring ahead of impact allows us to stay ahead of the situation, rather than forcing decisions to be made under pressure," Denyer said. He thanked the community for their preparation efforts and urged residents to heed official advice.
Hundreds of properties at risk
The threat of coastal inundation is a primary concern for officials. Tauranga City Council has identified approximately 800 properties at high risk of coastal and harbour flooding, with a further 200 vulnerable to coastal erosion. Properties along the Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa Beach coastline are particularly at risk, where dune breaches could undermine buildings.
Areas of specific concern for flooding and slips include Otūmoetai, Matua, Bureta, Maungatapu, Chapel St, Marine Parade, Oceanbeach Rd, Motiti Rd, Omanu Beach, Harrisons Cut and Taylor Reserve. Residents can check the specific risk to their property on the council’s coastal inundation map.
Officials have also issued a stern warning after reports of people breaching the closure of Moturiki (Leisure Island). Emergency Operations Centre Controller Gareth Wallis called the behaviour reckless. "This is not the time for sightseeing or risk‑taking. Cyclone Vaianu is a potentially life-threatening weather event," Wallis said. "We are urging anyone on Moturiki Island to leave immediately and to stay away from coastal and exposed areas."
Red alert for destructive winds
MetService has issued its highest-level Red Strong Wind Warning for the Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, effective from 4am to 8pm on Sunday. The forecast predicts severe easterly gales changing to northwesterlies, with damaging gusts of up to 130km/h possible in exposed areas. Such winds pose a "serious risk to life from flying debris and falling trees" and can cause widespread damage to roofs and powerlines.
An Orange Heavy Rain Warning is also in place for the region west of Whakatāne until 4pm Sunday, with 120 to 150mm of rain expected to accumulate, particularly in the ranges. Peak intensities of 25-40mm/h could lead to flash flooding and slips. Residents have been advised to prepare for power cuts by charging devices and to avoid all unnecessary travel.
The approaching storm system has seen other areas prepare for the worst, while some are just beginning to recover. In a similar story across the North Island, Aucklanders swarmed supermarkets after Cyclone Vaianu approaches, after causing less damage than initially feared in the Waikato region. The storm follows a pattern of increasingly severe weather events impacting the country, raising ongoing questions about infrastructure resilience and community preparedness. For now, the focus in the Bay of Plenty remains firmly on safety. "Please take this event seriously," urged Mayor Denyer. "Preparation is essential and it is far better to be safe than sorry."
Evacuation centres and marae open
For residents who need to evacuate and cannot stay with friends or family, several Civil Defence centres and marae have been opened.
In Tauranga, an evacuation centre will open at Mercury Baypark at 8am, with another at Matua Bowling Club from 9am. A centre is already open at Whakamarama Hall.
Tauranga Marae:
- Hungahungatoroa Marae, Matapihi
- Huria Marae, Brookfield
- Mangatawa Marae, Mangatawa
- Wairoa Marae, Bethlehem
Western Bay of Plenty Community Hubs:
- Waihī Beach RSA
- Katikati Baptist Church
- Pukehina Community Hall
- Te Puke War Memorial Hall
- Ōmokoroa Pavilion
- The MGC in Maketū
Evacuees are asked to bring a grab bag with essentials like medication, torches, chargers, blankets, and personal supplies. While some food will be available, those with specific dietary needs should bring their own.
