24/07/2026
Take care out there whanau!
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UPDATE - 10am Sat 25 July
🛑 SH43 is now closed between Taumarunui and Tahora.
🛑 SH3 is closed at Awakino Gorge.
🚧 SH4 remains open, although we have received reports of several small slips along the route.
🚙 Please stick to open state highways if driving through the area and you are on a detour. This keeps pressure off of local roads which are not designed to handle significant volumes of traffic.
🚂 The Marton-Hamilton and Whanganui-New Plymouth rail lines are closed for inspection, but are expected to open later today.
🧱 There are reports of minor damage to some buildings in Taumarunui. If you have building damage, please contact Ruapehu District Council and call your insurance company.
🛒 New World Taumarunui will be closed until midday after lights were damaged and product fell from shelves. New World Tūrangi is open, although experienced some product loss from shelves.
✅ Four Squares in Taumarunui, Waimarino and Raetihi are open and operating as normal.
⛷️ Tūoa and Whakapapa ski fields are closed because there's HEAPS of snow falling. Should be a mint day on the maunga tomorrow.
This may be our last update for a wee while. Be sure to follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Manawatū-Whanganui & Taranaki for the latest state highway updates, and look after each other out there 🫶
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UPDATE - 6.10am Sat 25 July
🙌 At this stage, there are no reports of injuries or building damage. Power, water and communication systems are all operating.
🚗 Minor slips have been reported in the area, so if you're on the road please drive with care.
👩🚒👷 Emergency services and roading crews are assessing the situation, but a fuller view of any impacts is unlikely to be available until the sun comes up.
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🫨 Well, so much for a Saturday morning sleep in 🫨
GeoNet is reporting a magnitude 5.7 earthquake occurred at 4.51am this morning (Sat 25 July) 5km south-west of Taumarunui, at a depth of 9km. They've given it a "severe" shaking rating.
✅ If you're in the area and are in danger, call 111 immediately.
✅ Be ready to drop, cover, hold for any aftershocks.
✅ Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if necessary. Help others if you can.
✅ Listen to local radio stations for official advice.
⚡️ If you spot fallen power lines, stay well clear (about the length of a bus is a good distance) and report any damage to The Lines Company by calling 0800 367 328.
📝 If your property is damaged, take notes and photographs for insurance purposes. If you rent your property, contact your landlord and your contents insurance company as soon as possible.
We'll provide updates as and when we have more information.
