Whakatāne District Council is urging coastal residents, particularly those in Ōhope Beach, to prepare now, with evacuations likely tomorrow (Saturday, 11 April) due to the expected impacts of Cyclone Vaianu.
At this stage, no State of Local Emergency has been declared and no mandatory evacuation orders are in place. However, forecasts indicate potentially dangerous coastal conditions, including landslides, storm surge, large waves and coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying coastal areas.
Acting Mayor Julie Jukes says the Council is sharing information early to give people time to prepare safely and calmly and avoid rushed decisions later.
"There is a high likelihood that West End will need to be evacuated tomorrow due to the expected impacts of Cyclone Vaianu," she says.
"While no evacuation orders are in place right now, we are encouraging residents to prepare - including planning where they could go and packing essential items."
"We’re asking people to be ready so they can move calmly and deliberately if required tomorrow, while conditions still allow - not in the dark and not in worsening weather."
If evacuations are required, Police will door-knock all affected properties tomorrow morning (Saturday, 11 April) and provide clear instructions on next steps. Residents would have until 5pm to relocate, with a roadblock in place until daylight Monday, 13 April.
Local Controller Nicholas Woodley says the Council is also preparing for the possible declaration of a State of Local Emergency tomorrow morning, should it be required.
"If declared, a State of Local Emergency would provide additional Emergency Management powers to support the response. This does not mean the situation is beyond control - it means we would be taking early, decisive action to keep people safe."
Mr Woodley strongly recommends residents in other exposed parts of Ōhope, outside of the West End area, also consider early self-evacuation to friends or whānau further inland.
“We have concerns for beachfront properties along Pōhutukawa Avenue, Waterford Estate and Plantation Reserve, and low-lying properties bordering Ōhiwa Harbour such as Liddon Cove and Ōhiwa Parade.”
"While self-evacuation is not mandatory for any area within Ōhope at this stage, planning to relocate for up to two days is strongly recommended."
Residents living near steep cliffs or escarpments are also advised to consider moving to a lower-risk location if they feel unsafe.
“Were taking this cyclone extremely seriously. Don't wait to be told to go. If anyone, anywhere feels unsafe, relocate as soon as possible.”
What coastal residents should do now
- Consider voluntarily self-evacuation further inland to friends or whānau
- Make plans for possible evacuations tomorrow
- Prepare a grab-and-go bag with essential items such as medicines, warm clothing, phone chargers and important documents
- Keep checking official channels and avoid rumours
If a State of Local Emergency is declared and mandatory evacuations are required, an Emergency Evacuation Centre will open at the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall.
"We understand this news may feel unsettling," says Mr Woodley.
"We are sharing this information early so people have time to prepare calmly and safely.”
Updates will continue to be provided via the Whakatāne District Council website and Facebook page, and through local radio stations 1XX, Sun FM and Tumeke FM.
If there is a threat to life, call 111 immediately.
Further evacuation information for Ōhope residents can be found on our website whakatane.govt.nz/cyclone-vaianu-evac-info.