We're closely monitoring Cyclone Vaianu, which is forecast to impact the district from early Sunday morning. Conditions may change quickly, and using the right reporting channels helps us respond faster and keep everyone as safe as possible.
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Cyclone Vaianu: Local safety information
Jump to a section: Key Information | Keep up-to-date | Escarpment information | Get prepared
Key information
The Council urges residents to prepare early as Cyclone Vaianu approaches
Whakatāne District Local Controller Nicholas Woodley says while there is still uncertainty around the cyclone’s exact path, the message is clear: prepare now.
Boil Water Notice – Rūātoki
Due to recent heavy rainfall, the Rūātoki Water Treatment Plant’s ultraviolet (UV) treatment system is currently unable to operate effectively. The rainfall has caused increased turbidity (cloudiness) in the water supply, which prevents the UV system from fully neutralising harmful bacteria and viruses.
As a result, a Boil Water Notice is now in effect for all residents of Rūātoki.
Find out more about the boil water notice »
Report any issues
- Threat to life? Call 111 immediately
- For urgent assistance (flooding, slips, fallen trees, road damage, access issues), call us on 07 306 0500 (available 24/7)
- Non urgent assistance - use our Fix It and Report a Problem form
Reporting issues this way means they are:
✅ Logged properly
✅ Prioritised correctly
✅ Sent to the right response crews
✅ Actioned as quickly as possible
Please don't:
❌ Post on our Facebook page or a community noticeboard and hope we’ll see it
❌ Message individual Council staff
❌ Contact elected members to "pass it on"
❌ Comment “please fix” without making a report
We know it can feel quicker - but direct messages and tagged posts can actually slow things down by pulling staff away from coordinating the response.
Stay up to date
We will be updating the information on our website as the situation evolves, you can also get the latest updates and guidance from these channels:
- National Emergency Management Agency Website | X (formerly Twitter) | Facebook
- Weather warnings from MetService
- Waka Kotahi Map: Road closures and traffic conditions
- Bay of Plenty Civil Defence website | Facebook page
- Check the Whakatāne District Council Facebook page »
- Tune in to Radio
- 1XX - 90.5FM Whakatāne | 1242AM Whakatāne | 92.9FM Ōhope Beach | Listen Online
- Sun FM - 106.5 FM | Listen Online
- Tumeke FM - 96.9 FM | Listen Online
For media enquiries email media@whakatane.govt.nz.
Get prepared | Me takatū
The GetReady website is a great resource for people to check out, with lots of information and tips for how people can prepare for a storm. Think about your family members, pets and belongings – be prepared to leave if you need to, and have enough supplies to sustain yourself for up to three days. If you are reliant on prescription medication, it is worth ensuring you have enough supplies to get you through next week.