Takapuna Hauraki Community Civil Defence

12/04/2026

All the weather warnings for Auckland have now been lifted.
We are lucky that we've been spared the worst, but we are thinking of the areas which have been badly affected by Cyclone Vaianu.

Ahiahi marie, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

As of 8pm, we return you to your normal seasonal weather. Our thoughts are with other regions still being affected by Cyclone Vaianu.

Please take care on the roads, as there is debris around.

If you encounter storm damage in our public places, please let Auckland Council know by calling 09-301-0101. Any tree-related issues, report via https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/report-problem.html.

If there is an immediate risk to life or property, call 111 immediately.

Thank you to all who heeded advice about keeping safe. Have a good evening.

12/04/2026

Roads and Harbour Bridge update from NZTA – Sunday 12 April, 2:25pm

⚠️ There are lane closures in place on the Harbour Bridge, and the speed in remaining lanes is 30kmph.
⚠️ There's some flooding on SH1 on the southbound lanes between Northcote Rd to Esmonde Rd (and the AT site also says there is some surface water between Esmonde and Onewa). The motorway is open - but drive with care.

Read the full post below for more information about this, and about other effects on Auckland's major roading network.

Also check updates from Auckland Transport at:
https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/service-announcements/severe-weather-flooding-and-road-incidents-april-2026?fbclid=IwY2xjawRH7iRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6SUpPTnNIanFGdXYxWDJjc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoAlIWoX3Z18bKES_4FLMR69ywwLXik6RFNtp_xjcBjKPT7SBUapxhyeUGkk_aem_-o-uwFJCc0Z31cxTKRDgmg

Severe weather affected some state highways and Auckland roads over the weekend.

All Auckland state highways are now open.

Multiple local roads have been affected. A full list of updates is on the Auckland Transport website: https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/service-announcements/severe-weather-flooding-and-road-incidents-april-2026

Do not drive through flood water. Road conditions can change rapidly - please be prepared for roads to be closed at short notice.

(Last updated – Monday 13 April, 6:50am)

11/04/2026

Cyclone Vaianu - 7.30am update from Auckland Emergency Management below. Please read their full post below for the comprehensive information :-)

𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗮-𝗛𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗸𝗶 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆:
We're relieved that Cyclone Vaianu stayed far enough offshore overnight that the effects on Auckland were not nearly as severe as they could have been.

However, MetService and AEM say there could still be severe weather today - with closure of the harbour bridge still a possibility - and advise us to stay off the roads and stay safely at home today.

Our group will continue to actively monitor the situation, and remains on standby to open a community emergency hub if needed ... though that now seems unlikely.

Stay safe everyone :-)

CYCLONE VAIANU – SUNDAY MORNING 6AM UPDATE

Current position:
• The centre of Cyclone Vaianu is around 160km northeast of Great Barrier Island
• Moving southeastwards

Overnight conditions:
• Strongest gust: 131 km/h at Mokohinau and Channel Island
• 24-hour Rainfall:
160mm at the Pinnacles (Coromandel)
90mm Whangarei

While the centre of Cyclone Vaianu is still offshore it has caused a very windy night across the top of the country, especially around the exposed northeastern coasts along with large waves of 6m off the Bay of Plenty coast, and periods of heavy rain.

Today looks like our windiest day for most, switching direction for places like Northland and Auckland as we head through the morning.

There’s still plenty of Severe Weather Warnings and Watches in place across the North Island and top of the South Island. www.metservice.com/warnings

11/04/2026

Good morning everyone. Sharing the 6am update from MetService below.

We are relieved that our area seems to have dodged the worst effects of Cyclone Vaianu (so far).

Our group will continue to actively monitor the situation, and remains on standby to open a community hub if needed (though that now seems unlikely).

Stay safe everyone :-)

CYCLONE VAIANU – SUNDAY MORNING 6AM UPDATE

Current position:
• The centre of Cyclone Vaianu is around 160km northeast of Great Barrier Island
• Moving southeastwards

Overnight conditions:
• Strongest gust: 131 km/h at Mokohinau and Channel Island
• 24-hour Rainfall:
160mm at the Pinnacles (Coromandel)
90mm Whangarei

While the centre of Cyclone Vaianu is still offshore it has caused a very windy night across the top of the country, especially around the exposed northeastern coasts along with large waves of 6m off the Bay of Plenty coast, and periods of heavy rain.

Today looks like our windiest day for most, switching direction for places like Northland and Auckland as we head through the morning.

There’s still plenty of Severe Weather Warnings and Watches in place across the North Island and top of the South Island. www.metservice.com/warnings

11/04/2026

We have been actively monitoring 𝗖𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘂 updates from 𝗔𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 (𝗔𝗘𝗠), and have received direct comms from them.

They have advised that they currently have no plans to open a full Civil Defence Centre (CDC) on the North Shore.

We have made preparations to open a community emergency hub in Takapuna, 𝗶𝗳 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱. If the need is great we would urge AEM to take over and set up a full CDC to support our community.

Any decision to open would most likely be tomorrow morning once conditions have been assessed (and would then announce which of our hub locations we’d be opening). We’re unlikely to open a hub overnight – as the safety of our volunteers is a priority.

We will continue to provide updates here as the situation develops.

𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥…
✅ 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿, 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝟭𝟭𝟭
✅ Check 𝗔𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁’s Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/aklcdem/) and website (https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz) for official updates
✅ Get weather updates from 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 (www.metservice.com)
✅ The current track of Cyclone Vaianu can be found at www.metservice.com/warnings/tropical-cyclone-activity

Stay safe everyone 💛

10/04/2026

A state of emergency has been declared for Northland.

If the the link in the post below doesn't work, here's the link to the full update: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/591964/weather-red-warnings-as-north-island-braces-for-cyclone-vaianu?fbclid=IwY2xjawRFcIBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkS2t6Qndjbk1hMDZpTlNGc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHtZMp6VU1kc4H_yDITBuwE6I5M9sFX3Mx3yaizgczgfoV5LKeBiHt4Ypy5xo_aem_Rd1lI6lOPNr7zIiZWvI7XQ

A State of Emergency has been declared for Northland as at 5pm Friday 10 April, for an initial period of seven days, as part of the regional response to Cyclone Vaianu.

Read more ⬇️

10/04/2026

Update from Auckland Emergency Management, Friday 10 April, 10.45am

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.

---

UPDATE: Friday 10 April, 9.25pm
Ahi ahi marie Tāmaki. All three warnings have changed their times.

❗️STRONG WIND WARNING - RED for Aotea Great Barrier Island for 17 hours from 1.00am Sunday 12 April to 6.00pm Sunday 12 April.

❗️HEAVY RAIN WARNING - ORANGE FOR AUCKLAND AND AOTEA GREAT BARRIER ISLAND for 17 hours from 9.00pm Saturday 11 April to 2.00pm Sunday 12 April

❗️STRONG WIND WATCH - ORANGE FOR AUCKLAND EXCEPT AOTEA GREAT BARRIER ISLAND for 21 hours from 9.00pm Saturday 11 April to 6.00pm Sunday 12 April

---

UPDATE: Friday 10 April, 10.45am
Mōrena Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, we have three updated weather warnings from MetService New Zealand on the expected impacts of Cyclone Vaianu to the Auckland region.

❗️STRONG WIND WARNING - RED for Aotea Great Barrier Island for 13 hours from 5.00am Sunday 12 April to 6.00pm Sunday 12 April.

What to expect: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerly Sunday afternoon, with damaging gusts of 140km/h. Note winds easing from the north during Sunday afternoon.

What to do: Be prepared to shelter in place, stay indoors and away from trees. Avoid travel. Be ready for communication outages.

❗️HEAVY RAIN WARNING - ORANGE FOR AUCKLAND AND AOTEA GREAT BARRIER ISLAND for 12 hours from 2.00am Sunday 11 April to 2.00pm Sunday 12 April

What to expect: 70 to 100mm of rain to accumulate. Peak rates of 10 to 20mm an hour.

What to do: Be prepared for streams and rivers that may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions are possible. Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

❗️STRONG WIND WATCH - ORANGE FOR AUCKLAND EXCEPT AOTEA GREAT BARRIER ISLAND for 19 hours from 9.00pm Saturday 11 April to 4.00pm Sunday 12 April

What to expect: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerlies Sunday afternoon. Gusting 130km per hour in exposed places. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Red warning.

What to do: Damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously.

Now's the time to prepare while there's still time. Talk to whānau and friends and make a plan - find out more at https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz/get-prepared/get-home-ready/

08/04/2026

𝗖𝗬𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗨 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚
The MetService and NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) have issued early warnings about Cyclone Vaianu, which is heading in New Zealand’s direction, and is expected to arrive this weekend, around midnight Saturday/1am Sunday.

As with all weather events, the situation may change. There’s no need for panic (a number of past cyclones have changed direction and missed us altogether), but it’s a good time to get prepared (because others have famously wreaked havoc – such as 2023’s Cyclone Gabrielle).

𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗦:
✅ 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗸𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 – so you’ve got what you need to hunker down at home if needed (remember to charge all your devices)
✅ 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 – including what’s in your ‘go bag’ and where you would go if you needed to evacuate (and top up the fuel in your car or charge your EV)
✅ keep your pets safe – bring them inside before the storm is due, and include them in your emergency plans
✅ 𝗱𝗼 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – such as putting away or tying down outdoor furniture that could blow around, making sure your drains and gutters aren’t clogged (or even checking stormwater grates in the street aren’t clogged with leaves, if you can)
✅ 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 – you may be able to help each other (plus it’s nice to know your neighbours!). Keep a special eye out on neighbours who are older or have mobility difficulties.

𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:
In the event of a severe emergency, local volunteer civil defence/emergency readiness groups might open local emergency hubs, where locals could get initial shelter and safety (prior to or alongside full AEM emergency centres). Follow these pages for updates and info.

🌐 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗻𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗮 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556850430437
🌐 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗻𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗸𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
https://www.facebook.com/takapunahaurakicommunitycivildefence

𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦
⚠️ 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 – www.metservice.com
⚠️ 𝗔𝗘𝗠 – 𝗔𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aklcdem/
Website - https://www.aucklandemergencymanagement.govt.nz (also has great info on being prepared for emergencies)
⚠️ 𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗔 – 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 – https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/

01/08/2025

Great info about tsunami

When we hear the word “tsunami,” we often imagine towering waves crashing onto shorelines. However, unlike the movies, tsunami behave more like fast-flowing tides than regular ocean waves.

Read below where we explore why even modest tsunami arriving at our shore, like the one triggered by Wednesday’s M8.8 earthquake off Kamchatka, deserve our attention, and how understanding their behaviour helps keep us safe.👇🏻

https://f.mtr.cool/qgecaugfqv

30/07/2025

TSUNAMI WARNING UPDATE - 3.30pm Thurs 31 July 2025

NZ Civil Defence issued an update at 2:04pm advising that 'tsunami activity' is expected from midnight tonight, after the earthquake near Kamchatka, Russia. Our coastline is expected to experience 'strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges'.

The advisory states: 'There is a danger to swimmers, surfers, people fishing, and anyone in or near the water close to shore. People in or near the sea in the following areas should move out of the water, off beaches and shore areas and away from harbours, marinas, rivers and estuaries.'

AREAS UNDER THREAT:
All coastal areas of the North Island, Great Barrier Island, the South Island, Stewart Island, and the Chatham Islands.

You can see the map, and check for the most up-to-date information on the NZ Civil Defence site: www.civildefence.govt.nz

The state of local emergency for the Nelson Tasman region has expired. The region has now moved to a local transition period to support the recovery from the recent severe weather and flooding.