Neighbourhood Support Hamilton

15/05/2026

⚠️ PHONE SCAM ALERT ⚠️

Police have made us aware and asked us to share details about a scam that has been identified in the Bay of Plenty. It is possible the scam will spread further, and very important for our members in the Waikato and the wider public to be aware of it.

Police are warning about scam phone calls from people pretending to be police officers. They may claim to be investigating fake bank notes and ask you to withdraw money, share details, or hand over cash to a courier.

This is a scam. Police will NEVER ask you to withdraw or hand over money.

What to do:
- Trust your instincts; if something doesn't feel right or is too good to be true, you're probably right.
- Check in with a trusted friend or family member.
- If you are uncertain or confused, ask for the officer’s details, hang up, contact 105 and request for that officer to call you back.
- If you think you have been a victim of a scam or this situation has happened to you, please report it to the Police and your bank.
- Take the chance to upskill yourself on scam awareness, check out Netsafe for more information: https://netsafe.org.nz.

Older and vulnerable people are being targeted, so please feel free to share this info.

Stay alert and trust your instincts. There are instances where legitimate police officers will contact you as part of their duties, but New Zealand Police will never ask you to withdraw money.

Stay safe, ngaa mihi

13/05/2026

Waikato Police are investigating multiple reports relating to anti social behaviour by groups of dirt bike riders in Hamilton City over the weekend.

Police received a number of calls throughout Saturday 9 May, with callers reporting a range of incidents from riders taking over intersections to cutting across sports fields.

Police take reports of this nature seriously. The actions of these individuals place not only themselves at risk but also members of the public who are simply going about their day.

While we acknowledge it can be challenging to identify offenders when they are riding in groups or wearing face coverings, we will continue to investigate all information provided to us in order to hold these people accountable.

So far, one individual has been identified, arrested, and referred to Youth Aid for follow up.

Police would like to thank members of the public who have assisted by providing footage and information. Community reporting plays a crucial role in helping us identify those involved and hold them accountable.

Anyone with further information or footage of dirt bike riders engaging in unsafe or anti social behaviour in Hamilton City is encouraged to contact Police via our 105 service.

If you have photos or video footage of any of this offending that could help us identify more of the people involved, please contact 105 and quote file number 260509/4814.

03/05/2026

24/04/2026

Today we pause to remember the brave men and women who served, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and communities.
ANZAC Day is a time for quiet reflection and gratitude as we honour courage, service and the enduring impact of those who came before us. These are values that continue to guide our communities today.
If you're attending a dawn service or commemorative event here in Hamilton, please take care on the roads and look out for one another.
Lest we forget 🌺

24/04/2026

Can anyone else still recite every word of this, despite not hearing it for years? 😅 Good reminder if you are out and about this long weekend!

If you need a refresher on what the carseat requirements are for your little ones, there's a lot of great info here: https://www.plunket.org.nz/being-a-parent/preparing-for-your-baby/car-seats/about-child-restraints/

23/04/2026

12/04/2026

Good evening Waikato, it’s been a big day. Thank you to everyone who prepared early, stayed home where possible, and looked out for your neighbours.

📍 MetService New Zealand has issued their latest update which shows that ALL rain and wind watches have been lifted, while some watches and warnings remains in other parts of the North Island.

As you head into the night and tomorrow:
• Take care when travelling, roads may still be affected
• Watch for fallen trees, debris, and possible slips
• Continue to check on whānau and neighbours
• Treat all floodwater as dangerous

For the latest information:
• Follow your local council channels for area-specific updates
• Check road conditions via NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
• Stay up to date with weather via MetService New Zealand
• Check power outage information with your local provider

Our teams will continue to monitor the situation overnight and provide updates if anything changes.
Thank you for looking out for each other, Waikato. Kia kaha and stay safe. 💙💛

11/04/2026

𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 - 𝟭𝟬.𝟯𝟬𝗮𝗺, 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟯 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹

These locations have reopened today:

✅ Hamilton Gardens.
✅ Taitua Arboretum.
✅ Te Hikuwai Bush Walk.
✅ Jubilee Park Walkway.
✅ Sandford Park.
✅ Waikato River paths through Ann Street, Fairfield Esplanade, Memorial Park, and Grantham Street.

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𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 - 𝟲.𝟭𝟱𝗽𝗺, 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹

Gordonton Road and Waterford Road will be reopened at 6.30pm following culvert assessments.

Rubbish and recycling services will be running as normal. Please put your rubbish and recycling bins out on the morning of your collection day, rather than the night before.

These Council services and facilities will be business as usual from tomorrow (Monday 13 April):

→ Hamilton City Libraries.
→ Hamilton Zoo.
→ Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery.
→ Waterworld and Gallagher Aquatic Centre.
→ FMG Stadium.
→ Claudelands Events Centre.
→ Hamilton Organic Centre.
→ Lincoln Street Transfer Station.

These locations remain closed and will be considered for reopening after inspections:
→ Hamilton Gardens – they'll decide tomorrow morning if they are opening. Follow Hamilton Gardens to find out.
→ Taitua Arboretum.
→ Te Hikuwai Bush Walk.
→ Jubilee Park Walkway.
→ Waikato River paths through Ann Street, Fairfield Esplanade, Memorial Park, and Grantham Street.

If you need to report something to us (like fallen trees), use the Antenno App or call 07 838 6699 for urgent issues.

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𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 - 𝟵.𝟯𝟬𝗮𝗺, 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹

At this stage, rubbish and recycling services are running as normal.
Please put your rubbish and recycling bins out on the morning of your collection day, rather than the night before.

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𝟳.𝟱𝟬𝗮𝗺, 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟮 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹

Moorena Hamilton, Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to arrive today – here's what you need to know. We’ll be updating this post throughout the day (Sunday 12 April) as more information becomes available.

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀:
❗ Avoid areas with tall trees. If you see a fallen tree, report it via Antenno or call 07 838 6699.
❗ Treat powerlines as live at all times. If you see downed power lines or have no power, call WEL Networks on 0800 800 935.
❗ If a road is flooded, avoid the area. Don’t attempt to drive, swim or walk through flood waters.
❗ If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
❗ Look out for signs of landslides:
- Small slips, rock falls, and sinking land, at the bottom of slopes
- Sticking doors and window frames, which may mean the land is slowly moving under the building
- Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly
- Steps, decks, and verandas, moving or tilting away from the rest of the building.
- New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces
- Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences.

Get out of the path of the landslide quickly. Evacuate if the building you are in is in danger. If you see a landslide, let us know immediately on 07 838 6699.

❗ If you, or someone in your household is using medical equipment that relies on electricity, let your retailer (who you pay your power bill to) know. If there is an immediate threat to health, please call 111.
❗ If a road is closed, it’s closed for a reason – don’t drive on it.
❗ Have torches and spare batteries ready
❗ Use a battery or car radio to tune in to RNZ National 101.0 FM or 1143 AM
❗ Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag near.
❗ If you have pets, be ready to take them with you if you need to evacuate and have a bag ready for them.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁:
👉 If your life, house, or someone is in danger, call 111.
👉 If you have no power, call WEL Network on 0800 800 935.
👉 If you have no water or see fallen trees, call us on 07 838 6699.
👉 If you need to report something to us, use the Antenno app or call 07 838 6699 for urgent issues.
👉 If you’re feeling alone, or not quite sure what to do, know that it’s ok not to feel ok. Freephone 1737 any time to talk to a free helpline who offers support and advice from trained counsellors.

🛑 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 🛑
⚠️ Gordonton Road between Puketaha intersection and Darjon Drive.
⚠️ Waterford Road between Fitzroy Avenue and Peacockes Road.

11/04/2026

Kia ora all

Hamilton (and wider Waikato) is now under a State of Emergency, declared this morning as a proactive step ahead of Cyclone Vaianu, which is expected to arrive this evening. This State of Emergency is in place for seven days to help ensure our communities are kept safe.

This decision has been made because of the likelihood of damaging winds, flooding, and disruption to power and transport networks. Declaring early means Civil Defence Emergency Management can coordinate the response across the Waikato quickly and effectively if conditions worsen or the cyclone shifts unexpectedly. At this stage, we don’t know if these powers will need to be used, but being prepared allows for fast action if required.

What you can do right now:
- Check in on your neighbours, especially older people, those living alone, or anyone who might need extra help.
- Secure loose items around your home (outdoor furniture, bins, trampolines).
- Prepare or double-check your emergency kit/go-bag
- Bring pets inside where possible
- Clear gutters and drains if it’s safe to do so, to help reduce flooding.
- Park vehicles carefully, away from trees or flood-prone areas if you can.

For now, please stay put and avoid unnecessary travel. Conditions can change quickly.

Keep checkingHamilton City Council , Civil Defence Waikato , andMetService New Zealand information channels for the latest updates and advice as these are the most reliable sources of information.

Let’s look out for one another and stay connected as a community. Even small acts, like checking in on a neighbour, can make a big difference.

Stay safe, Hamilton

11/04/2026

From Hamilton City Council :

A pre-emptive Regional State of Emergency has been declared for Waikato Region, effective immediately.

The declaration enables our Civil Defence teams to act proactively if required and respond quickly.

Please continue to get prepared, plan to stay home tomorrow, and check the Hamtilton City Council page for updates.

Mayor Tim Macindoe has a message for Hamiltonians.