MetService New Zealand has lifted the severe weather warning for our district, however this page provides updates on the impacts of the recent severe weather to our district.
Our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has now stood down following around 24 hours of persistent, heavy rain across the district.
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Visit Metservice.com for the latest forecast »
Whakatāne District Council’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has now stood down following around 24 hours of persistent, heavy rain across the district.
Council teams monitored conditions and responded to weather-related impacts overnight and into this morning, particularly in areas that experienced concentrated rainfall, including Matatā, Manawahe, and Awakaponga. Clean-up efforts and work to restore access are now underway in these areas following multiple slips.
Local Controller Mike Avery says that although the rain has eased, risks remain.
MetService New Zealand has lifted the severe weather warning for our district. Ground conditions are saturated and still very unstable. Our teams are getting a better picture of what the weather has brought overnight.
There are a number of slips throughout the district. Please be patient as we work to clear these as promptly and safely as possible. We'll continue to keep you posted.
Remember - slips and flooding can still occur even if the rain eases or stops. Take caution on the roads and avoid any unnecessary travel.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page or see the Road Status section of this page for updates.
Whakatāne District Council teams kept abreast of weather-related impacts overnight and continue to respond this morning following around 24 hours of persistent wet weather across the district.
The rainfall overnight was concentrated in the western part of the district with slips and flooding causing road closures in Matatā, Manawahe and Awakaponga.
Bay of Plenty-wide State of Local Emergency declared
Earlier this afternoon, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence declared a Bay of Plenty-wide State of Local Emergency.
What does this mean?
There is no need to panic. This is a precautionary step that allows Civil Defence and emergency services to act quickly if needed to help keep people safe.
This can include closing roads or public places, carrying out urgent works, securing unsafe structures, and providing food, shelter or first aid.
What this means for you
You can still go about your daily business under a State of Local Emergency, but make sure you listen to and follow any instructions from civil defence and emergency services.
Whakatāne District Council has activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at 1pm today, in response to the severe weather affecting the Bay of Plenty.
The activation follows MetService New Zealand’s escalation of the Heavy Rain Warning from Orange to Red, with forecasts indicating significant additional rainfall of 180-240mm, on top of what has already fallen. Conditions are expected to remain volatile, with heightened risks of flooding, slips, road closures, and potential community isolation.
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:
For media enquiries email media@whakatane.govt.nz.
Last updated: Thursday, 22 January, 8am
Driving conditions are hazardous, please take care or stay off the roads if at all possible.
✅⚠️ Manawahe Road is open with caution for both lanes + a 50km temp speed limit in place.
✅⚠️ Caverhill Road and lower Manawahe Road is open to both lanes but for light traffic only.
✅⚠️ Herepuru Road is open with caution, and down to one lane in places.
✅ Peace Street
✅ Reid, Rewatu, Fosters and Tāneatua roads clear and open
✅ SH2 Matatā Straights - now open
⚠️ Braemar Road - slip near intersection of Withy Road. Down to one lane. Pass with extreme caution
KEY:
⛔️ Closed ✅ Open ⚠️ Caution
Potholes can appear quickly following heavy rain.
For the wider network please visit NZ Transport Agency - Road and Traffic Information »
Due to recent heavy rainfall, the Rūātoki Water Treatment Plant’s ultraviolet (UV) treatment system is currently unable to operate effectively. As a result, a Boil Water Notice is now in effect for all residents of Rūātoki.
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