Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol

01/08/2026

05/05/2026

Deepest condolences to the families of the crew from Marine Rescue NSW.
A very tragic day for all involved, this is an immensely heartbreaking event for all.

Last night was the darkest night ever experienced by Marine Rescue NSW.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers answer the call for help 24/7 and last night six members from Marine Rescue Ballina did just that. They launched with a single mission, to save lives on the water and assist a yacht, reported to be in difficulty off the South Ballina break wall.

Tragically, two of our volunteers lost their lives during the response.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Todd Andrews said the devastating loss is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by volunteers who serve their communities.

“These two men were serving their local community and have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of the deceased, their fellow crew members, the brave radio operators who handled the difficult communications during the incident, the entire Marine Rescue NSW family and the wider Ballina community during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our volunteers and their families through professional counselling and chaplaincy support.

“We ask that the privacy of those involved and their families be respected during this difficult time,” Commissioner Andrews said.

11/04/2026

UPDATE: Sunday 12 April, 10.30am
MetService New Zealand has updated the Strong Wind Warning for Aotea Great Barrier Island.
STRONG WIND WARNING - ORANGE for Great Barrier Island
Area: Great Barrier Island
Period: 8hrs from 12:00pm Sun to 8:00pm Sun
Forecast: Gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerlies this afternoon, with gusts of 120km/h in exposed places.
Minimal 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.
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Last updated 10pm, 11 April;
Kia ora everyone, MetService New Zealand has made some updates to today's forecast, mainly around the timing of warnings for Auckland and Aotea Great Barrier Island. Follow MetService for updates or download the Metservice App from the App Store or Google Play.

The current track of Cyclone Vaianu can be found at www.metservice.com/warnings/tropical-cyclone-activity

📍Aotea Great Barrier Island has been upgraded to a RED warning for wind. The combination of damaging winds, heavy rain and coastal inundation makes this a multi-hazard, potentially life-threatening event.
📍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.
📍Strong Wind and Heavy Rain Watches and Warnings are in force for much of the North Island and upper South Island Sunday and early Monday. Further areas are likely to be upgraded to Orange or Red as the cyclone approaches and its track becomes clearer.

📍STRONG WIND WARNING - RED for Great Barrier Island
Area: Aotea Great Barrier Island
Period: 22hrs from 10.00pm Sat to 8:00pm Sun

Forecast: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale west to northwesterly Sunday afternoon, with damaging gusts of 130km/h. Note winds easing from the north during Sunday afternoon.

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.

📍STRONG WIND WARNING - ORANGE for Auckland excluding Aotea Great Barrier Island
Area: Auckland
Period: 20hrs from 10.00pm Sat to 6:00pm Sun

Forecast: Severe gale east to southeasterlies about areas north of Orewa changing to severe gale west to southwesterly Sunday early afternoon, gusting 130km/h in exposed places.
Moderate 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.

📍HEAVY RAIN WARNING - ORANGE for Auckland including Aotea Great Barrier Island
Area: Auckland and Great Barrier Island
Period: 17hrs from 9:00pm Sat to 2:00pm Sun

Forecast: Expect 70 to 100 mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/hr. Note, heavy swells and coastal inundation likely, especially about Aotea Great Barrier Island and the outer gulf.
Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.

Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.

Aotea / Great Barrier Local Board

09/04/2026

⚠️ Cyclone Alert ⚠️

Please read survival advice below:

Are you prepared? Do you have a plan if you need to evacuate?

Extra tropical cyclone Vaianu is expected to track south-southwest towards New Zealand during the weekend making landfall on Sunday. Forecasted low is 972 hpa, not quite as low as Cyclone Gabrielle but certainly not far off.

Tides are expected to be high on/around the time of landfall, with the center of the low situated around the Hauraki Gulf on Sunday, progressively moving SE towards Monday.

Forecasters have anticipated 10-12m waves in some places. So avoid coastal areas.

Might be a good time to check moorings, or relocate vessels into sheltered bays.

Another thing to remember, for every Hectopascal below the standard 1013 hectopascal datum, the sea level rises by 1cm.
1013hpa - 972hpa = 41cm increase, on top of the predicted high Tides. This does not include 10-12m waves in some areas around the low.

There is a very real and very serious danger to life associated with this Cyclone 🌀

Here are some things to think about:

GO BAGS 🎒: First Aid essentials/Batteries/Torches/Warm clothing/Some high energy bars/Water/Two way radios (if you have them)/Multi Tools etc.

CHECK and RESTOCK First Aid Kits:

Bandages
Wraps
Torniquets
Pain relief
Emergency blankets
Wound closures
High energy drink sachets
Plasters

Know exactly what you have and where it is!

CREATE A PLAN:

Remember the 5 P's PRIOR -PLANNING - PREVENTS - POOR - PERFORMANCE 👈

Plan thoroughly - Know your escape routes, create a plan with all members of your family, if you have to evacuate, know exactly how this will happen. What resources are required & available to you and ensure your vehicle is ready to move.

Go bags can be stored inside the vehicle. Everything you require to survive should be ready to go at a moments notice.

Remember flooding will be a real threat, try to restrict night driving, especially rural. If you have to be on the road at night 🌙 be very vigilant for downed powerlines and trees 🌳. Remember roads in some areas will wash out, especially in the more affected areas.

Stay away from Trees and powerlines.

Tie down anything that can be picked up in high winds and become a flying missile around the home.

Be safe! Be Vigilant!

See you all back on the water soon, with blue skies and calm seas 🌊

Air Patrol OUT 🫡