Mataatua District Maori Wardens

25/04/2026

Today, we pause.
Not for celebration, but for remembrance — for the courage, sacrifice, and unshakeable spirit of those who served so we could stand here in peace.

ANZAC Day is never just a date on the calendar.
It is a heartbeat carried across generations.
A reminder of young men and women who left home with hope in their chests, many never to return.
A reminder of whānau who waited, prayed, mourned, and carried on with quiet strength.

We honour the soldiers who stood shoulder to shoulder in distant lands.
We honour the Māori Battalion, whose bravery became legend.
We honour every nurse, medic, engineer, pilot, sailor, and volunteer who served with dignity and courage.
We honour the whānau who still carry the memories.

Their sacrifice shaped the Aotearoa we live in today.

As the sun sets on ANZAC Day, may we continue to uphold the values they fought for — unity, compassion, courage, and aroha for one another.

Lest we forget.
Kia maumahara tātou.

12/04/2026

Latest from Whakatāne District Council.
Cyclone Vaianu has passed; caution still urged across Whakatāne District.
Whakatāne District Council advises that Cyclone Vaianu has now moved through the district, with the most severe weather conditions easing this evening.
While this marks an important transition point, residents are urged to continue taking care, as a number of hazards remain across the district.
Following today’s events, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) staff, alongside the New Zealand Defence Force, completed an initial visual assessment of affected areas.
Residents who were evacuated mandatorily or voluntarily were cleared to return home from around 6pm, if they felt it was safe to do so.
Local Duty Controller Hone Patrick says this is a positive step, but it does not mean everything is back to normal.
“We’re grateful to the many people who followed official advice and took important steps to keep themselves and each other safe,” says Mr Patrick.
“There are still areas of risk, and we’re asking people to continue taking a cautious, common sense approach. There are fallen trees and debris on roads across the district, downed powerlines, and ongoing power outages with further slips still possible. Another high tide is expected around 3am, which could still affect some coastal or low lying areas.”
In West End, Ōhope, geotechnical assessments of the escarpment will take place in daylight tomorrow.
Residents living near steep slopes, cliffs or escarpments are urged to remain alert for any signs of movement, such as cracking ground or unusual sounds, and to avoid sleeping in rear rooms near steep banks where possible.
A conserve water notice remains in place across the Whakatāne District due to the impacts of the cyclone on power supply to infrastructure and treatment operations. Residents are asked to use water carefully and only for essential purposes until further notice.
The Whakatāne War Memorial Hall remains open as an Emergency Evacuation Centre for anyone who does not feel safe returning home tonight. Rangitihi Marae in Matatā has also supported community welfare efforts, with other marae voluntarily standing ready to assist.
“We want to acknowledge and mihi to the local marae who stepped up at short notice to support whānau, along with emergency services, contractors and partner agencies who have worked through extremely challenging conditions,” says Mr Patrick.
Council’s Customer Services office will open later than usual tomorrow, at 10am. The Whakatāne Aquatic Centre and Te Kōputu a te Whanga a Toi / Whakatāne Library will both open from 1pm.
Edgecumbe Library will remain closed. All kerbside services will operate as usual.
Urgent issues can be reported to Council’s 24/7 call centre on 07 306 0500. Non urgent issues can be logged via the Fix It and Report a Problem form on the Council website.
Further updates will be provided as daylight assessments continue.

11/04/2026

11/04/2026

Cyclone Vaianu is tracking closer to Aotearoa, and as the system moves closer, conditions are expected to worsen tonight and through Sunday and Monday. It's important to note that conditions will worsen when it is dark, so please whanau take advantage of the daylight we have left to check around you and make sure you have everything for what could be a very wild night.
A RED WIND WARNING is now in place across Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, with damaging winds up to 130km/h possible. These winds can bring down trees, damage roofs, and cause power outages and disruptions.
Please stay indoors or find strong shelter. Avoid unnecessary travel and keep safe. An Emergency ALERT has been sent out to everyone within the Bay of Plenty advising the change in alert.
MANDATORY EVACUATIONS
For the safety of our people, evacuations have been put in place.
Must evacuate:
Thornton Hall Road – Property #82
Strongly advised to evacuate:
East Bank Road – Properties #9–17
Thornton Road – #723 to #737 and #694
Thornton Campground
If you are asked to leave, please do so early and calmly.

Take essential items only: You grab bag with your kai,
medication, warm clothing, important documents, phones and chargers
RUAIHONA EVAC POINT
Ruaihona is the evacuation point and is on stand-by.
If Ruaihona reaches capacity, Our other marae within Hekerangi will be opened.

All our Rangitāiki marae remain on standby to support whānau and have the resources to be able to support.
Contact for Ruaihona: Mate Waikato
STAY SAFE
• Stay indoors or in sturdy shelter
• Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary
• Stay away from the coast
• Be prepared for power and communication outages
• Check on kaumātua, neighbours, and those who may need support
ROAD WARNINGS
Please avoid travel on these roads due to risk of slips and dangerous conditions:
Pikowai Straights
Tahuna Road (Te Teko – Matahina)
Galatea Road (MacDonalds Rd – Waiohau)
Braemar Road
Manawahe Roads.
Do not travel to Okorero or Pikowai. You don't need to go fishing TODAY. Don't be a HOHA.
POWER OUTAGES POSSIBLE
Strong winds may cause loss of power.
Prepare now:
Charge phones and devices
Have torches ready
Check batteries
Charge power banks
Have warm clothes and blankets ready
RANGITĀIKI RIVER
The Rangitāiki River is being closely monitored by the Bay of Plenty Flood Room.
There are currently no major concerns, however if you have stock near the river, move animals to higher ground now.

Updates about flood levels, including the Matahina dam will be communicated via Bay of Plenty Regional and Whakatane District Council Social media platforms.
SUPPORT AVAILABLE
If you need medical support, please reach out – Aunty Pare is available.
Medical emergency → call 111
If you need kai, please reach out. We will do our best to tautoko whānau.
For urgent assistance (flooding, slips, fallen trees, access issues):
Call 07 306 0500 (24 hours)
Emergency danger → call 111
NGĀTI AWA KI RANGITĀIKI RESPONSE
Our Ngāti Awa ki Rangitāiki Response rōpū is activated and working to support our hapori.
We will continue to share updates and help where we can.
He waka eke noa – we are all in this together.
PREPARE NOW
Check supplies of water and kai
Charge devices
Secure outdoor items
STAY UPDATED
Listen to Radio 1xx for latest updates
Follow Te Kaunihera ā-rohe o Whakatāne - Whakatāne District Council and Bay of Plenty Civil Defence on facebook
Stay informed through trusted channels ONLY
Check on whānau, especially kaumātua

Remember things can change quickly.
Kia kaha. Kia tūpato. Stay safe everyone.

10/04/2026

WHAKATĀNE DISTRICT COUNCIL HAS DECLARED A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR THE DISTRICT
A mandatory evacuation order is now in place for all homes in West End, Ōhope, up to and including the Beach Point Apartment complex.
Council staff and Police are door‑knocking affected West End properties.
Residents should plan to be away for at least two days and relocate by 5pm today, after which a Police‑managed roadblock will be in place.
An evacuation centre is open at Whakatāne War Memorial Hall.
More to come…

20/01/2026

RED SEVERE RAIN WARNING

MetService has issued a RED SEVERE RAIN WARNING for Bay of Plenty from 9:00am Wednesday to 9:00am Thursday.

Put safety first. Don't take any chances. Act quickly if you see any rising water. Do not try to walk, play, swim or drive in floodwater.

Avoid all non-essential travel. Bring pets indoors and move livestock to high ground where possible.

Be prepared to evacuate. Keep a bag close. If you are in immediate danger call 111.

Contact your local council for more information.

Issued by Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management Group 21.01.2026 11.45am

31/10/2025

Over Labour Weekend, Māori Warden Districts from across the region gathered at Rangatapu Marae in Ohawe, Taranaki, to launch an exciting new chapter: Te Tāwharau ā Toi – The Māori Wardens District Collective. This dynamic alliance is all about returning to the roots of the Māori Warden kaupapa, reconnecting with the original vision that started it all. For too long, some Māori Warden entities have drifted toward a "profit-driven" model, losing sight of what truly matters. But there are many groups out there who remain committed to the heart of the kaupapa—and Te Tāwharau ā Toi stands as a testament to that dedication.

With the full backing of the New Zealand Māori Council, this new collective is setting the stage for something powerful. Over the weekend, a new executive council was elected, alongside the formation of a rangatahi executive council, bringing fresh energy and vision. A formal warranting ceremony was held for both newly appointed and reappointed Wardens, marking the beginning of a new era.

If your District Māori Warden group is eager to be part of this exciting movement, we invite you to get in touch. The future is now—let's make it happen together.

02/10/2025

Te Kaiārahi Rangatahi mō Mataatua District Māori Wardens, me te tuahine o tō tātou Kīngi kua wehe ki te pō, a Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Tūtekawa XII – i hono mai hoki a Kingi ki ngā kaupapa whakahirahira o Ngā Manu Kōrero i tū ki te Tai Tokerau.

E tuku mihi kau ana ki a koe e te Whaea rangatira, e Whaea Heeni, ki te whare ariki o Te Wherowhero, ā, ki a koe anō hoki e Kingi, mō tō mana, mō tō kaha, mō tō ū ki ngā kaupapa o te iwi Māori.