23/01/2026
Kia ora koutou,
As we head into the long weekend, we know that there will be some people travelling into and around our region. ⚠️ Please check before you travel - there are still multiple road closures across region. Take extra care and check conditions before you go. Check roads, accommodation and essential services are available at your destination. If you are on the road, please be patient and remain alert for new slips, debris, and ongoing work by road crews.
Police have urged members of the public to avoid the Mount to allow emergency services to have the space to work safely. The recovery is expected to take some time, so thank you for your patience.
As we mentioned earlier today, MetService New Zealand have issued a Strong Wind Watch – Yellow for a period of 5 hours from 12:00pm 5:00pm, Saturday 24 January, with a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning. Even though the heavy rain has passed, the large amount of rainfall combined with this wind leaves many regions particularly vulnerable to landslides and fallen trees. These can be extremely dangerous. Stay alert and look for warning signs: small slips, rock falls, sinking land or unusual noises. If you see any of these, act quickly, get away from the slope and call 111.
Due to wastewater overflows around the region, it’s important people stay out of the water. Always assume that floodwater is contaminated with farm run-off, animal and human sewage and chemicals. Heavy rain can wash contaminants from urban and rural land into waterways, and it takes time for these contaminants to flush through. For this reason, avoid entering water for 2-3 days, even at sites that usually have good water quality.
We also want to thank everyone who has reached out to offer their support. If you would like to volunteer your time and services, please register here: https://app.betterimpact.com/PublicOrganization/b0408df6-72b9-4e31-a09f-d578d54a4dfa/1
If you are intent on travelling, please check the roads and your destination before you go: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/bay-of-plenty
MetService has the most up-to-date information regarding weather forecasts, please check here: https://www.metservice.com/
Please also keep an eye on your local council’s and NZTA’s social media channels (see their tags below) and websites to stay informed with the latest road closures and impacts in your area.
Kia haumaru, kia mākoha - stay safe, and be kind.
Look after yourself and each other.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Waikato & Bay of PlentyToi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council Western Bay of Plenty District Council Tauranga City Council Rotorua Lakes Council Te Kaunihera ā-rohe o Whakatāne - Whakatāne District Council Te Kaunihera ā rohe o Kawerau - Kawerau District Council Ōpōtiki District Council
