Early activation and a coordinated regional response helped keep Waikato district communities safe during the recent severe weather event, with Waikato District Council now moving into recovery mode.
A total of 59 council staff worked across six shifts from Friday afternoon, throughout the weekend to today, enabling a rapid and well-managed response as conditions developed.
Local Controller Anisha McPhee said acting early was critical.
“We made the call to activate early so we could respond at scale if needed. That preparation meant we were ready, coordinated, and able to manage issues as they arose,” she said.
“Across the district we saw flooding impacting roads, one instance of power lines down, and fallen branches causing blockages. These were managed quickly, with no injuries or loss of life.”
The Council is now focused on recovery, including clearing and reopening roads, and ensuring stormwater systems are operating effectively.
Welfare teams are continuing to support residents affected by the evacuation order in Port Waikato, ensuring they have the information and support they need as they return home.
“As we move into a recovery period, this will include guidance on signs of potential landslips and how to stay safe as conditions settle,” McPhee said.
Mayor Aksel acknowledged the role of community response groups and marae, activated at scale by Civil Defence for the first time in an event of this nature.
“Our Community Response Groups and marae played a critical role on the ground. The care, local knowledge and real-time information they provided strengthened our overall response,” he said.
“These are relationships we value and will continue to grow, because they are essential to keeping our communities safe.”
Mayor Aksel said the decision to declare a State of Emergency was part of a coordinated regional approach and was not taken lightly.
“We had this under control because we acted early and worked together. While the impacts were less than initially forecast, the risk was real and required a proactive response.”
“With more severe weather likely as we move into autumn and winter, preparedness and strong community connections will remain key.”
Residents are encouraged to report issues as they arise. Urgent issues should be reported to 0800 492 452, and non-urgent issues can be logged via Antenno.
