Cyclone Vaianu information

10 Apr

Last updated: 6pm, Friday 10 April

Cyclone Vaianu is expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain and large swells to New Zealand. Here you can find some key information, including where to find updates and how you can prepare.

Remember: If life, health or property is at risk, call 111.
Register for 111 text service: https://www.police.govt.nz/111-txt/how-register-111-txt

Quick links

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): https://www.nema.govt.nz
Civil Defence: https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/
Get Ready (preparedness info): https://getready.govt.nz
Government emergency info: https://www.govt.nz/browse/emergencies-and-disasters
MetService warnings: https://www.metservice.com
GeoNet (earthquake/volcano/tsunami science): https://www.geonet.org.nz
Get Ready website alternate formats (Audio, large print, Easy Read, Braille, NZSL): https://getready.govt.nz/alternate-formats

Branch closures

Bay of Plenty (Tauranga and Rotorua) offices will be closed on Monday 13 April.

Accessible formats

Get Ready website alternate formats:
Audio
Large print
Easy Read
Braille
NZSL
Download WREMO’s disability-inclusive emergency preparedness guide: https://www.wremo.nz/alternative-formatsresources-for-disabled-people
Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People info: https://www.whaikaha.govt.nz/resources/support-and-services/emergency-preparation-and-support

Weather warnings

It’s possible these will be upgraded. For the most recent warnings, check MetService: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

A Red Wind Warning is in force for the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island on Sunday. Stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. Avoid travel. Be ready for power and communication outages.
Orange Wind and Rain Warnings are in place for most of the North Island from Saturday night, with parts of Manawatū-Whanganui, Wellington, Nelson-Tasman and Canterbury under a Heavy Rain Watch. Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously.

General preparation advice

Home and property

Clear gutters and drains.
Bring inside or tie down trampolines, furniture, anything that strong winds could break or pick up.
Prepare for power outages (torches, batteries). Make sure your devices and power banks are fully charged.
Keep fuel tanks at least half full.
Bring pets indoors.

Family and personal

Pack an emergency grab bag (medications, water, cash, chargers).
Plan where to shelter in your home (away from windows, glass doors).
Check on neighbours or whānau who may need help.
Remember to look after yourselves and each other, and reach out if you need support.

Travel and vehicles

Avoid travel during Red/Orange warnings.
Check NZTA road closures.
Park your car in a higher area, or park it in a garage if you have one. Keep your car parked away from trees if possible.

Flooding and landslides

Trust your danger sense, and don’t wait for official warnings to evacuate. Do not enter floodwaters, as they are dangerous and can kill you.
Watch for warning signs like small slips or rockfalls, water flowing out of a slope, trees or fences that start to tilt or doors and window frames that start to stick. Also take care around trees which may become unstable and fall.
If your floors start getting wet, move furniture to an upstairs area, if possible. Stay away from bathtubs, water taps, and sinks during lightning, as they can conduct electricity.

Disability specific advice

Steps to get ready

Summary from this Get Ready page (has alternate formats): https://getready.govt.nz/prepared/advice-for-disabled-people/steps-to-get-ready

Think about how an emergency could affect you, including loss of power, water, internet, transport, or access to shops.
Plan for at least three days of medication, medical equipment, disability‑specific items, food, water, and backup power.
Talk with your household or support network about what you need, what help you may require, and where you will go if you must leave home.
Decide what you can do independently and what you’ll need help with before, during, and after an emergency.
Make a simple plan that lists your needs, supports, and essential items, and plan for your lowest level of functioning.
Check the emergency plans for places you spend time (work, school, day programmes) and let them know if your access needs aren’t included.
Build a support network of neighbours, friends, caregivers, or co‑workers, and share contact details and emergency plans.
Agree on how you’ll communicate if phones or internet fail, and practice your plan together (including Drop, Cover, Hold and evacuation routes).
Prepare a grab bag with essential items in case you need to leave quickly, including any medical alert information.
Ensure you have suitable food if you have allergies or dietary needs, and include masks (P2 or N95) if you have asthma or respiratory conditions.
If you rely on life‑sustaining equipment, know where you can get help if power is lost.

Medical equipment, power, and medication

Charge all powered equipment (wheelchairs, ventilators, oxygen concentrators, CPAP, feeding pumps).
Keep chargers, spare batteries, and manual backups together.
Check you’re registered as a medically dependent electricity customer.
Pack at least three days of medication in waterproof containers.
Keep copies of prescriptions and pharmacy contacts.
Prepare a chilly bin with ice packs if medication needs refrigeration.
After the storm, check equipment for damage before using it.

Service animals

Pack food, water, medication, ID, harness, and waste bags.
Keep a recent photo of your animal.
Service animals should be accepted at evacuation centres.

Communication and support networks

Prepare backup communication tools (notebook, printed contacts, low‑tech AAC).
Download offline maps.
Agree on contact methods and meeting points with your support network.
Keep essential information on paper in case devices fail.

Evacuation and accessibility

Bring essential equipment, chargers, medications, and communication tools.
Expect variation in accessibility at evacuation centres.
Tell staff about your access needs when you arrive.
Avoid floodwater and take mobility aids with you.

Mobility, sensory, cognitive, and mental health needs

Keep mobility aids indoors or secured; ensure tyres and batteries are ready.
Pack sensory supports (ear defenders, sunglasses, fidget items).
Prepare simple, step‑by‑step instructions for emergencies.
Use calming strategies and seek quiet spaces if overwhelmed.

After the storm

Check mobility aids, medical devices, and powered equipment for damage before using them.
Contact your equipment provider if you need urgent repairs or replacements.
If your home is unsafe or inaccessible, ask CDEM staff about accessible temporary accommodation.
If you rely on life‑sustaining equipment, seek a safe place to recharge or access power as soon as possible.
If you use a service animal, check them for injuries and replace any damaged gear.

Further info from 1News: https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/04/10/cyclone-vaianu-how-to-prepare-before-the-storm-hits/