15/02/2026
⚠️ A regional pre-emptive state of emergency has been declared.
This declaration covers the entire Manawatū-Whanganui Region and applies as of 6.37pm today (Sun 15 Feb).
The declaration comes in the wake of MetService issuing a red heavy rain warning for parts of Ruapehu, Rangitīkei and Manawatū. This rain is forecast to mainly fall in the ranges before flowing through rivers towards the coast.
The emergency declaration was requested by Civil Defence group controller Michael McCartney and signed by MWCDEM Group chair Nikki Riley after consultation with the region’s mayors. Tararua, Rangitīkei and Manawatū district councils had declared a pre-emptive states of emergency earlier in the day.
The declaration comes in the wake of MetService issuing a red heavy rain warning for parts of Ruapehu, Rangitīkei and Manawatū. This rain is forecast to mainly fall in the ranges before flowing through rivers towards the coast.
Michael says the declaration gives access to emergency powers and grants authority to protect life and property in extraordinary events.
“Some of the most commonly used emergency powers include evacuating premises and places, entering premises, closing roads and public places, removing aircraft, vessels, vehicles etc and requisitioning property, equipment, material or supplies. Of these, enabling evacuations is often the key reason for an emergency declaration.
“We don’t know for certain that we will need to make use of these emergency powers, but given the potential for the main impact of this event to happen overnight, we’ve made the declaration it now as a precautionary step so we have those powers available if they’re needed.”
Although this weather event has begun with only moderate rainfall for most parts of the region and no further significant issues yet, we – along with all of the region's emergency services and partner agencies - continue to urge people to take it seriously, Michael says.
✅ Move items away from areas of your property that usually flood.
✅ Clear gutters and drains where it is safe to do so.
✅ Bring inside anything that could be lifted by strong winds, or tie it down securely.
✅ Bring pets inside where possible.
✅ Charge phones and devices.
✅ Stay away from areas at risk of slips.
✅ Move livestock in low lying areas to paddocks that are safe from floodwaters, landslides, isolated trees, and power lines.
✅ If a landslide occurs, keep well clear - further movement can happen without warning.
✅ Stay out of the water and away from beaches.
✅ Be prepared to move to higher ground if needed.
✅ Secure boats and trailers properly.
