Stay informed and prepared. Visit our information page for the latest updates, safety guidance, and resources on Cyclone Vaianu.
Latest update
Updated: Monday 13 April 2026, 4:00pm
MetService has now lifted weather warnings and watches for our area. However, scattered rain is still forecast today, with heavier rain and possible thunderstorms this afternoon before easing this evening.
We are continuing to monitor and assess impacts across the district.
Our crews are out today clearing slips, debris and culverts. Please take care around traffic management and continue to watch for local hazards such as flooding, fallen trees, debris and road damage.
Report issues
If you see flooding, slips, fallen trees, or damage to roads or infrastructure, please call us on 0800 492 452.
Updated: Sunday 12 April 2026, 5.30pm
We are continuing to monitor wind and heavy rain across the district this evening.
Rain is expected to continue overnight, which may lead to surface flooding, fallen trees and debris on roads.
What you should do
- Take care with any travel this evening and overnight. Check conditions before you leave and allow extra time.
- Avoid driving through floodwater.
- Secure any loose items around your property.
Report issues
If you see fallen trees, flooding, or damage to roads or infrastructure, please report it to us so we can respond. Call us on 0800 492 452.
Updated: Sunday 12 April 2026, 11.45am
At this stage, impacts are being assessed as the cyclone has tracked further east than expected. However, please do not be complacent. Heavy rain is continuing today and conditions can change quickly.
Current situation:
• No significant issues reported at this time
• Our Emergency Operating centre is active and monitoring rainfall, surface flooding and infrastructure
Financial support for those affected
If you have been impacted by the recent weather, you may be able to access financial support through the Rural Women New Zealand Adverse Events Fund.
This fund is available to individuals and whaanau in rural communities who are experiencing hardship as a result of an adverse event like flooding or severe weather.
Support may help with essential needs such as:
• Food and groceries
• Medical costs
• Temporary accommodation
• Other urgent living expenses
You do not need to be a member of Rural Women New Zealand to apply.
Check if you are eligible and apply here:
https://www.ruralwomennz.nz/our-funds-and-grants/adverseevents
If you need help accessing this or are unsure if it applies to you, please contact our team.
Updated: Saturday 11 April 2026, 2:15pm
State of Local Emergency declared
A State of Local Emergency has been declared across the Waikato region this morning as a precautionary step ahead of Cyclone Vaianu.
This reflects the likelihood of significant impacts across the region, including damaging winds, possible flooding, and disruption to power and transport networks.
For Waikato District, we are expecting disruption across our communities, the exact levels of disruption is still unknown. During the peak of the event tomorrow, some areas, particularly rural communities, may experience road closures, power outages, and temporary isolation. Emergency services may not be able to reach all areas during this time.
Important to know
- Sirens: There are no sirens used within the Waikato District Council area to alert the public for/during severe weather events.
Precautionary evacuation in Port Waikato
As part of the emergency response, some residents in Port Waikato have been asked to evacuate their properties today, Saturday 11 April 2026. This is a precautionary measure to keep people safe while we continue to prepare for this severe weather event.
There are 36 properties including 10 cabins at Port Waikato Holiday Park in Sunset Beach.
We are working closely with local mana whenua and partner agencies, including New Zealand Red Cross and New Zealand Police, to support affected residents.
This is the first evacuation in the Waikato district for this weather event. At this stage, there are no other evacuation orders in place, but the situation is being closely monitored.
Be prepared
While the evacuation is currently limited to Port Waikato, all residents across the district are urged to be prepared.
- Prepare now while it is still safe to do so
- Stay home during peak conditions today (Sunday)
- Avoid unnecessary travel
- Be ready for power and communication outages
- Check on neighbours and those who may need support
What you can do
- Clear gutters and drains.
- Bring inside or tie down items that can be broken or picked up by strong winds (e.g. garden furniture, trampolines).
- Keep materials at hand for repairing windows, such as tarpaulins, boards and duct tape.
- Identify a safe location in your whare/home for household members to gather. This should be a place away from windows, skylights, or glass doors, which can be broken by strong winds and cause damage or injury.
- Check on whaanau, neighbours, and anyone who might need help.
- Move farm animals to areas that are safe from flooding and high winds, and stay up to date with support from Waikato Rural Support Trust.
- Stay up to date with the latest weather information from MetService New Zealand.
More information on preparing for storms is available at https://getready.govt.nz/