11/04/2026
Here is some info to support our disability community during Cyclone Vaiau :
For our disability community, being prepared is best. Here is info specifically design for people with disabilities with accessible formats included - https://www.wremo.nz/alternative-formatsresources-for-disabled-people
Some evacuation centres may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Due to flooding, alternative/back up evacuation centres were used. It is good idea to check on the accessibility of the evacuation centre and its back up.
For people with service dogs, it is good to have a plan on keeping your animal safe if you have to go into an evacuation centre as there may be other untrained dogs at the evacuation centre. In the busyness of people organising evac, this can be missed.
Advice from disability community - if the vegetables and fruit in the garden is touched by the flooding, do not eat the food from it as it will make you sick.
For Deaf, hard of hearing or you have a speech impairment, if you need to contact phone numbers, NZ Relay Services can be used, however it is dependent on internet or mobile access during the cyclone.
For Deaf, hard of hearing or you have a speech impairment and have pre-registered. You can text 111 for emergencies (Police, Fire, or Ambulance). Registration is required for the service to function. Register online at the NZ Police 111 TXT page
Far North District Council Moko Tepania's update - https://www.facebook.com/reel/2487867371669165 - there are no subtitles for this video
Useful websites but note that the videos may not have subtitles:
www.getready.govt.nz
https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
https://www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland
https://www.metservice.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/MetService
https://www.facebook.com/WhangareiDC
https://www.facebook.com/FarNorthDistrictCouncil
https://www.facebook.com/ngatiwaitb
Human Rights Commission and Whaikaha are working on emergency preparedness for our disability community throughout Aotearoa NZ.
Supported by Te Tai Tokerau EGL Leadership Group.