11/04/2026
Kia haumaru whānau!
Kia ora Northland, us again!
We have another long but important post for you. Take a moment to read through, as there’s some key info we want to share to help you prepare and stay safe.
MetService New Zealand have updated their latest forecast, and the ORANGE Warnings and Watches previously issued for Northland REMAIN in place for this weekend 🟠
Severe winds and heavy rain are expected across Northland, with heavy rain likely to impact eastern areas most.
❗Because Northland has experienced ongoing severe weather in recent weeks and months, the ground is already very wet.
As a result:
🌧️ Further heavy rain could lead to flooding happening more quickly, especially in low‑lying and flood‑prone areas.
🌬️ When combined with severe winds, saturated ground increases the likelihood of trees falling, which may cause damage and power outages.
🌊 Cyclone Vaianu is also driving large swells and storm surges that could affect low-lying and exposed coastal locations, particularly during high tide at around 3am Sunday 12 April.
⛰️ There is a heightened risk of landslides following heavy rainfall and strong winds. This risk can remain well after the worst of the weather has passed.
This remains an evolving situation, so please continue to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and information from MetService New Zealand here 👉https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home -north
💪 GET READY:
Thank you to everyone who has already taken the time to do so, it really makes a difference 🙏
There is still time to safely prepare for Cyclone Vaianu.
If you haven’t already – here are some key reminders on how to prepare:
➡️Clear drains and gutters
➡️Secure loose outdoor items like trampolines, furniture, and building materials
➡️Move vehicles, valuables, and livestock away from flood prone areas
➡️Bring pets indoors and relocate animals from low lying land
➡️Prepare for possible power outages – charge phones and power banks, and make sure you have food, water, torches, radios, batteries, and any essential medications
➡️Have a grab bag ready with warm clothes, important documents, and essential items
➡️Decide where you will go if you need to evacuate and make sure everyone in your household knows. Your evacuation place will probably be with friends or family, so make sure they know your plans.
🔗 More tips on how to prepare here: GetReady.govt.nz
🌧️ DURING THE WEATHER:
⚠️ Put safety first. Don’t take any chances.
⚠️ During a storm, stay inside. Don't walk around outside. Don't drive unless necessary. Strong winds can fell trees and poles, tear off roofs, and cause branches and debris to fly at high speed.
⚠️ Act quickly if you see rising water. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
⚠️ Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater.
⚠️ If a landslide occurs – or you see any signs that the ground is unstable – evacuate immediately. Watch for warning signs like small slips or rockfalls, water flowing out of a slope, trees or fences that start to tilt or doors and window frames that start to stick.
⚠️ Don’t wait for emergency mobile alerts or other official warnings if you see flood waters rising or suspect that a landslide is about to occur – trust your danger sense and act immediately.
📞 If life or safety is at risk, don't hesitate to call 111.
📱Stay informed
🤳Follow updates from MetService, your local council, and us here at Civil Defence Northland
🚧 Information about local roads and infrastructure is best accessed through your local district council
🏠 If welfare centres or marae are opened, this information will be shared via district council websites and social media. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out on your community pages for updates.
District councils:
Far North District Council | Phone: 0800 920 029 | Website: www.fndc.govt.nz
Whangarei District Council | Phone: 0800 932 463 | Website: www.wdc.govt.nz
Kaipara District Council | Phone: 0800 727 059 | Website: www.kaipara.govt.nz
For State Highway closures:
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland
journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
Local councils, emergency services, and Northland Civil Defence are meeting regularly and coordinating closely for this event. We are monitoring the situation with MetService and the NRC Hydrology team, and positioning resources across the region so we can respond effectively if needed 🤝
❤️🩹 Finally, a reminder to look after yourself and each other.
Periods of severe weather can be stressful and unsettling, especially as Northland communities have been dealing with challenging conditions for some time. It’s completely normal to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or tired during events like this.
Please remember that you are not alone.
Checking in on neighbours, whānau, or friends, and keeping up to date with official advice and preparedness information can all help you feel more grounded and supported.
We’ll continue to share updates as the situation develops.
Look after each other, Northland! 💙
