Cyclone Vaianu local updates

2pm, 17 April: Track update

• Te Aroha Mountain Track (Whakapipi/Bald Spur) - has now been reopened, please walk with care.
• Lipsey Track - has now been reopened.
• Horseman's Track - has now been reopened.
• Tui-Domain Track - should be more accessible now the waterflow has slowed.

You can see our tracks page here for all the checked tracks and information on how to stay safe after a weather event.

11.30am, 16 April: Wastewater update

Te Aroha - Please keep reducing water use until further notice. 

Tahuna - Thank you for reducing your wastewater use over the past few days. Please resume normal wastewater use.

4pm, 15 April: Wastewater update

Tahuna and Te Aroha - Please keep reducing water use until further notice.

2.40pm, 15 April 2026: Track update

We're busy assessing all our tracks to ensure they are safe.

• Golf Link Track - very wet and a some trees have fallen near the top, but passable with care.
• Tui Track - passable, but be mindful that some areas have washed out and care is needed when fording the rivers.
• Te Aroha mountain bike tracks - There's been severe damage to some parts of the mountain bike tracks, take care if using them.

You can see our tracks page here for all the checked tracks and information on how to stay safe after a weather event.

2.15pm, 15 April 2026: Hauraki Rail Trail

Hauraki Rail Trail is still underwater in places.

• Te Aroha to Matamata - Open with restrictions - Open from Mace Road (Te Aroha West) through to Matamata. Mace Road and Bridge is currently closed due to flooding. Some minor surface flooding in areas between Mace Road and King Road is passable, but we recommend cyclists dismount and walk.
• Paeroa to Te Aroha - Section D is currently closed. Flooding north of Mangaiti has left the trail impassable, as well as under the Te Aroha Bridge - bypass through town is available. Section E is open 

Check out the Trail Status page for updates.

9am, 15 April 2026: Wrapping up our emergency response

Thank you to everyone in our district for getting prepared for Cyclone Vaianu over the weekend. Those efforts made a real difference. Special thank you to our community groups, partners, marae, essential services and locals who stayed alert and ready to respond. As always, your support and coordination is greatly appreciated. 

Our teams are now back to business as usual and we will continue to monitor the weather as we always do. However, a weather forecast is just that - a forecast. We work with the best available information we have, but weather is unpredictable by nature, and preparation is essential. Responding quickly can save lives. See the full story here.

12.20pm, 14 April: Wastewater update

Tahuna and Te Aroha - Please keep reducing water use today, tonight and tomorrow while we continue to manage the network after the recent rain.

11am, 14 April 2026: Track update

We're busy assessing all our tracks to ensure they are safe. These two have just been checked and are currently closed:

• Lipsey Track - is temporarily closed.
• Horseman's Track - is temporarily closed.

You can see our tracks page here for all the checked tracks and information on how to stay safe after a weather event.

5.10pm, 13 April: Remaining power outages

We are still aware of the following power outages in the district:

• 2 properties in Peria/Matamata
• 1 property in Morrinsville
• 1 property in Manawaru
• 2 properties in Kiwitaha

Please check the PowerCo outages webpage for updates. 

4.20pm, 13 April: Wastewater update

Tahuna and Te Aroha - Please continue to reduce wastewater tonight while we monitor the situation.

The wastewater network in Tahuna and Te Aroha are under a lot of pressure, and we need your help to manage the high intake. You can still use water for cooking and hygiene (toilets, drinking water etc.), but please keep other water use (like using the dishwasher, washing machine, and bath) to a minimum. If you need a shower, try to keep it short. We appreciate your help and we will update you again tomorrow.

3.50pm, 13 April: Thunderstorm warning

MetService New Zealand has issued a severe thunderstorm warning  for Matamata-Piako, effective until 4.15pm today.

These thunderstorms are expected to move across our region.

Our rivers are already high following Cyclone Vaianu and it's likely to keep raining for the rest of the week, so please stay mindful of any potential hazards.

Play it safe in wet weather:

• Surface flooding may happen faster when there's already so much water around. Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.   
• Severe thunderstorms can generate strong wind gusts which can cause structural damage, including trees and powerlines.

Learn more – metservice.com

Learn how to prepare – getready.govt.nz

3.30pm, 13 April: Swim Zone Te Aroha

We've checked the water quality of the pool at Swim Zone Te Aroha, and we are all set to reopen tomorrow at 6.30am, Tuesday 14 April.

12.30pm, 13 April: Wastewater and Tracks

Wastewater - Te Aroha and Tahuna

The wastewater network in Tahuna and Te Aroha is under a lot of pressure and we need resident's help to avoid creating wastewater where possible. The network is pretty full at the moment due to high ground water getting in.

We have no way of reducing that groundwater, so in order to reduce the risk of overflows we ask that residents reduce the amount of wastewater entering our system. This means we can better manage the high flows we are seeing.

You can use water for cooking and hygiene, i.e. toilets, drinking, cooking. But please keep other water use to a minimum - hold off using the washing machine, and the bath. If you really need a shower, keep it short.

We appreciate your help and will provide another update later today. 

Tracks - Te Aroha

When a storm has passed, it can be tempting to get straight back out on the tracks.

Straight after severe weather, we may ask people to stay off tracks while we assess damage. Until those checks are done, we may not know what hazards are still present.

These tracks have been checked so far:

• Te Aroha Mountain Track (Whakapipi/Bald Spur) - is currently closed due to track instability. We will reassess again in a few days.
• Wetlands Walk -  is currently closed due to flooding.
• Lower and Upper Domain Tracks - have been cleared but there are some sections that are very slippery so take care.
• Tui Track (from the Domain to Water Treatment Plant) -  is not easily passable due to rapid and high waterflow at fords. We recommend avoiding this track until water levels drop.

You can see our tracks page here for more information on how to stay safe on tracks after a weather event.

6am, 13 April: Morning update

Our response teams are still working this morning to assess the impacts of Cyclone Vaianu and manage any remaining issues.

Here's what you need to know this morning:

Wastewater - Tahuna and West Te Aroha, please continue to reduce your wastewater use. Due to flooding, the wastewater network in your area is under extreme pressure. We need your help to avoid creating wastewater where possible, please do not run dishwashers, washing machines, have baths, etc. You can still use water for drinking and essential hygiene.

Surface flooding - be mindful if you are out driving, there may be hazards on the roads including flooding.

Swim Zone Te Aroha - remains closed to allow staff to assess conditions and check water quality before reopening. Visit swimzonepools.co.nz for updates.

Morrinsville Transfer Station - will be open as usual. Visit mpdc.nz/transferstations 

All other facilities - will be open as usual.

Tracks - will be inspected throughout the week. To learn more about trees and tracks before and after severe weather, please visit mpdc.nz/trackstatus

7pm, 12 April: Civil Defence Centre closing soon 

The Civil Defence Centre will soon be closing for the night. There's still time to get down for a quick shower before we finish up at 8pm, so grab your toiletries and we'll see you at the Silver Fern Farms Event Centre. 

As always, if you are in an emergency situation please call 111. If you self-evacuate for any reason, please call us at Council on 0800 746 467.

Please note that Boyd Park, Lawrence Ave, and Herries Park toilets will remain open all night if you need them.

We know emergency situations can be stressful, but there are some things you can do to help feel better, like reaching out to friends, family, and neighbours. Check in and ask how they're doing, and help out where you can.

If you need to talk or require counselling, you can contact:

• Here 2 Help U, heretohelpu.nz
• Lifeline, 0800 543 354
• Youthline, 0800 376 633
• Samaritans, 0800 726 666
• Trained counsellor, text 1737

6.15pm, 12 April: Swim Zone Te Aroha to remain closed on Monday

5pm, 12 April: Tainui Road

3.50pm, 12 April: Update from Mayor Ash

3.20pm, 12 April: Te Aroha Civil Defence Centre now open

Due to rising river levels in Te Aroha and extreme pressure on the wastewater system, we have opened a Civil Defence Centre (CDC) at the Silver Fern Farms Events Centre on Stanley Ave.

• Toilets and showers - people needing wastewater facilities can come and go as needed
• Facilities to charge phones and devices
• Tea, coffee and water
• Welfare staff onsite for support for further needs assessment

2.40pm, 12 April: Urgently reduce your wastewater use

All of Tahuna

Te Aroha: Clarke Ave, Dunlop Cres, Mount Ave, Gordon Ave, Churchill Ave, Barclay Ave, Aroha View Ave, Gordon Ave, Mountain View Road, Sunset Pl, Sundale Dr, Sunrise Pl, Pooles Road 

Due to flooding, the wastewater network in your area is under extreme pressure. We need your help to avoid creating wastewater: 

🟡 Do not have showers/baths 

🟡 If it's yellow let it mellow 

🟡 Do not run washing machines, dishwashers etc 

🟡 Catch sink water in a bowl or bucket rather than down the drain 

Please share this with your neighbours. We will advise when you can create wastewater again.

Te Aroha addresses: this situation is likely to remain in place into tonight. You may wish to relocate to friends/family for your own comfort. If you have nowhere to go, a Civil Defence Centre will be open from 3pm this afternoon, with toilets and showers. 

Public toilets are also available at Boyd Park, Rewi Street and Lawrence Ave. 

12.30pm, 12 April: Cyclone Vaianu Metservice update

The latest update from MetService shows Cyclone Vaianu continuing to move closer to New Zealand, with high winds expected to continue.

At 11.30am today, Sunday, the centre of Cyclone Vaianu was due east of the Coromandel Peninsula and tracking south towards the Bay of Plenty. While the centre is still offshore, strong winds, heavy rain and large swells are already being felt well beyond the centre.

We are monitoring the situation as it moves through our district. Please stay indoors and avoid travel where possible.

If there is surface flooding in your area, be prepared to evacuate if needed and keep your grab bag ready. If you are in immediate danger, call 111.

Our wastewater network, especially in Te Aroha, is under significant pressure. Our teams are on site pumping water as quickly as possible. Please reduce wastewater use where you can:

• avoid showers and baths
• only flush toilets when necessary
• do not use washing machines or dishwashers

We will continue to share updates as the situation changes.

10.15am, 12 April: Wastewater

Te Aroha - Clarke Ave, Dunlop Cres, Mount Ave

Due to flooding, the wastewater network in your street is under pressure. Our teams are on site pumping out water as fast as possible. We need residents on Mount Avenue, Dunlop Cres and Clarke Ave to avoid creating wastewater: 

🟡 Do not have showers/baths 

🟡 If it's yellow let it mellow 

🟡 Do not run washing machines, dishwashers etc 

🟡 Catch sink water in a bowl or bucket rather than down the drain 

Please share this with your neighbours. We will advise when you can create wastewater again, thank you.

9.45am, 12 April: Morning update 

🌧️ Cyclone Vaianu – Wet and Windy Overnight Update 🌬️

It’s been a wet and windy night. As daylight reveals any impacts from Cyclone Vaianu, we’re asking people to take care, especially in areas experiencing surface flooding.

Heavy rain associated with storms can overload the stormwater system, leading to surface flooding – particularly in urban areas. While thunderstorms can be short, the intensity of rainfall in a localised area can be hazardous.

If there is surface flooding in your area:

• Be prepared to evacuate if needed and keep your grab bag ready
• Listen to the radio for updates and check your Regional Council and local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group websites
• Follow instructions from emergency services and Civil Defence authorities
• If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings – head to higher ground immediately
• Never walk, play, swim, or drive through floodwater. Just 15cm of water can knock you off your feet, and 50cm can sweep away most vehicles. Floodwater may also be contaminated and make you sick
• Help others if it is safe to do so, especially those who may need extra assistance

If you have been evacuated, please don’t return home until authorities advise it is safe – floodwaters may recede before areas are fully safe.

⚠️ Important notes

• If you are in immediate danger, call 111
• Temporary signs cannot be deployed at this stage as strong winds could turn them into hazards
• We are monitoring the situation
• There may be road closures – please take extra care when travelling

Learn more about what to do during a flood.

Please stay safe and keep checking for updates as the situation develops.

11 April: Saturday update

We’re continuing to monitor Cyclone Vaianu as it moves closer to New Zealand, expecting to make landfall within our region on Sunday 12 April 2026.

Heavy rain and strong winds may cause: