Keep up to date with current and upcoming road closures, roadworks, road reserve works, and emergency road status information in the Whakatāne District.
News
State of Emergency lifted as Whakatāne District continues clean up
For immediate release: Tuesday, 14 April 2026
While severe weather conditions have now passed, significant hazards remain across the Whakatāne District and residents are urged to continue taking care following the impacts of Cyclone Vaianu.
The local state of emergency was lifted by Whakatāne District Council’s Emergency Operations Centre yesterday afternoon (Monday, 13 April).
Cyclone Vaianu has passed; caution still urged across Whakatāne District
Whakatāne District Council advises that Cyclone Vaianu has now moved through the district, with the most severe weather conditions easing this evening.
While this marks an important transition point, residents are urged to continue taking care, as a number of hazards remain across the district.
Following today’s events, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) staff, alongside the New Zealand Defence Force, completed an initial visual assessment of affected areas.
Cyclone Vaianu intensifies: Direct hit on Whakatāne District - get out now
The message is clear: Cyclone Vaianu is approaching the Whakatāne District. Residents in Ōhope, coastal Thornton, and anyone who feels unsafe are urged to evacuate inland before 12pm today.
Cyclone Vaianu changes track: increased risk to Whakatāne District
Whakatāne District Council is warning residents that the most concerning period of Cyclone Vaianu is expected this afternoon (Sunday 12 April). Gale force winds of up to 150 kilometres per hour, extremely strong storm surges and potentially 12-metre-high waves are forecast to coincide with high tide at 2.20pm today.
Risk to life: Further mandatory evacuations in Ōhope and Thornton as Cyclone Vaianu intensifies
Mandatory evacuation orders have been extended to additional areas of Ōhope and Thornton as Cyclone Vaianu intensifies, with residents in a number of other coastal and low-lying areas strongly urged to self-evacuate now.
Whakatāne District declares State of Local Emergency – West End residents must evacuate
A State of Local Emergency was declared for Whakatāne District at 8.55am today (Saturday, 11 April 2026), by Acting Mayor Julie Jukes.
Council urges coastal residents to prepare for evacuations as Cyclone Vaianu approaches
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.
Cyclone Vaianu: Local safety information
Updates regarding Cyclone Vaianu.
The Council urges residents to prepare early as Cyclone Vaianu approaches
Whakatāne District Council is closely monitoring Cyclone Vaianu, a Category 3 storm forecast to begin impacting parts of the country from early Sunday morning.
Strong community interest in Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement project
Community engagement on the Whakatāne Riverfront Enhancement Project closed on 30 March 2026, with Whakatāne District Council receiving more than 260 pieces of individual feedback.
There was strong interest in the project, with feedback submitted in person, online, and through hard copy submissions. Pre engagement feedback from key stakeholders has also been included.
Community gets behind planning the future of Awakeri
Interest in shaping the future of Awakeri has been positive, with strong community support for involvement in the Awakeri Community Reference Group. Final nominations have now closed for the Awakeri Community Reference Group, with 33 people confirmed to take part.
Whakatāne Youth Council welcomed for 2026 term
The 2026 Whakatāne District Youth Council were formally welcomed this week with a mihi whakatau, shared kai, and their first meeting.
Committee backs next step toward safer parking enforcement
Whakatāne District Council has agreed to progress the next stage of introducing licence plate recognition technology for parking enforcement, following a decision by the Projects and Services Committee at its meeting today (2 April 2026).
Matatā wastewater project moves closer to resource consent
The Matatā community will soon have the chance to hear the latest on the town’s long-running wastewater project, as the project team prepares ahead of lodging the resource consent in the coming months. Nicholas Woodley, Manager Policy, Planning and Consents for Whakatāne District Council said the project had reached an important point, with a large amount of detailed work taking place over the last few months nearly finalised.
Henderson stormwater improvements boost resilience during heavy rain
The upgraded Henderson Street stormwater pump station in Whakatāne is now complete and delivering stronger protection during heavy rain, following its successful operation during last week’s storm event.
Council seeks feedback on how shared spaces are used across the district
Whakatāne District communities will soon be able to help shape how the district’s shared spaces are used, cared for and enjoyed, following approval of six draft bylaws for public consultation.
Consultation will be delivered through a single, districtwide campaign – ‘Shaping our shared spaces’ – bringing together the review of six draft bylaws that guide how people, animals, activities and vehicles interact across the district’s public spaces. The approach emphasises shared responsibility for public spaces and encourages broad participation from across the district.
Heavy Rain Warning - 26-28 March
MetService New Zealand has issued a Heavy Rain Warning for our district for 42 hours from 9am Thursday to 3am Saturday.
Buddle Street wastewater upgrade
Work is set to begin on a new underground wastewater pump station at the corner of Buddle Street and Kakahoroa Drive, as part of a wider upgrade to the wastewater network in Whakatāne.
New online tool helps Whakatāne District communities understand climate risks
Whakatāne District Council has released a new online mapping tool to help people better understand how climate change and climate-related hazards could affect different parts of the district, now and into the future.
We publish a number of newsletters - subscribe online to keep up to date, have your say and find out what's happening in your hapori/community.