Coastal and harbour inundation is a significant and immediate concern for Tauranga, with the potential for flooding at levels not previously seen, particularly around the 2pm high tide on Sunday.
People who live in properties on the coast or in low-lying areas that are known to have flooded before should seriously consider self-evacuating early.
Once inundation begins, roads may become unsafe or impassable very quickly.
The cyclone is expected to impact Tauranga from 11pm Saturday bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, storm surge, high sea levels, and coastal flooding and erosion.
Coastal and harbour conditions can change rapidly as the cyclone approaches. Even if the cyclone weakens, dangerous coastal conditions may continue, increasing the risk to low-lying coastal areas.
Coastal and harbour inundation - known areas of concern
- Otūmoetai, Matua, Bureta
- Maungatapu (slips)
- Chapel Street
- Marine Parade, Oceanbeach Road, Motiti Road, Omanu Beach, Harrisons Cut and Taylor Reserve
Around 800 properties across the city are at high risk of coastal and harbour flooding, with another 200 at risk from coastal erosion. This includes properties along the Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa Beach coastline, where sand dune breaches could undermine buildings and lead to coastal erosion.
Many residents in these areas would have recently received coastal and harbour inundation letter advising inundation risks on their property.
You can view a city-wide map at https://gis.tauranga.govt.nz/coastalinundation/. Once on the map, click the '2% AEP' option on the left panel. This viewer provides potential inundation for Sunday's weather event.
Self-evacuation information
Once coastal and harbour inundation begins, it may be too late to safely evacuate, as roads in and out of affected areas can become impassable very quickly. Waiting until water is rising may put people at risk of becoming trapped.
Coastal flooding often happens in the dark or at night, making it harder to see dangers. Fastmoving water can knock people over, sweep away vehicles, and cause serious injury or death.
Residents living in coastal and low-lying areas that have flooded before are urged to act early and move to higher ground before conditions deteriorate.
Where should people go?
Friends or whānau
People are encouraged to seek refuge with friends or whānau first where possible.
Marae
People are also encouraged to consider going to a marae, where they will be welcomed and supported in a comfortable environment.
The following marae will be open this afternoon for people to go to if needed:
- Hungahungatoroa Marae
24 Hungahungatoroa Road, Matapihi, Mount Maunganui 3175
Open from 3pm Saturday 11th April
- Huria Marae
1 Te Kaponga Street, Brookfield, Tauranga 3110 (Parking along street)
Open from 6pm Saturday 11th April
- Mangatawa Marae
42 Tareha Lane, Mangatawa 3175
Open from 6pm Saturday 11th April
- Wairoa Marae
2328 State Highway 2 (Waihi Road), Bethlehem
Open from 6pm Saturday 11th April
- Hangarau Marae
219 Bethlehem Road Tāwera, Bethlehem
On standby
Important information:
- On arrival, please register with a marae volunteer onsite.
- Please avoid bringing pets. If this isn’t possible, domestic pets are the owner’s responsibility and must stay in vehicles.
- Bring your own blanket and pillow.
- Bring your grab bag containing personal items such as medication, a torch, chargers, and personal and sanitary supplies.
- Bring snacks and some food, particularly if you have allergies or require gluten or dairy‑free options.
- Please be respectful of the marae, marae volunteers, and others using the space.
Emergency Assistance Centre
Mercury Baypark will open from 8am, Sunday morning.
- Mercury Baypark
Stadium Lounge
81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui 3152
What to bring to Mercury Baypark:
- Clothes
- Personal medication and sanitary supplies
- Prescription glasses
- Avoid bringing pets with you. If you must bring your pets they will have to stay in your vehicle.
During the cyclone
- If life is in danger, call 111 immediately.
- Stay away from beaches, coastal roads, headlands, the harbour edge and rivers or streams and low- lying areas. Waves can surge far beyond the shoreline.
- Follow all official warnings and instructions immediately.
- Stay inside, and don’t drive unless necessary. During a cyclone we need to keep our roads clear for emergency services.
- Close exterior and interior doors and windows. Pull curtains and blinds over windows. This could prevent injury from flying glass if the window breaks.
- Avoid bathtubs, water taps, and sinks. Metal pipes and plumbing can conduct electricity if struck by lightning. Use your water from your emergency supplies.
- Unplug small appliances that may be affected by electrical power surges. If you lose power, unplug major appliances. This will reduce the power surge and possible damage when power is restored.
- Stay connected - listen to the radio or follow your Emergency Management Bay of Plenty instructions online. Follow the instructions of civil defence and emergency services at www.bopcivildefence.govt.nz
- Follow Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and MetService New Zealand for the latest weather and emergency updates, and Waka Kotahi for road closures and slips.
- If you feel unsafe, we encourage people to stay with friends and whānau if possible.
- We’ll continue to provide updates on our Facebook page and website.
Floodwater
- Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water.
- Never try to walk, swim, drive through or play in flood water.
- Stay away from flood damaged areas. Your presence might hamper rescue, obstruct other emergency operations and put you at further risk.
- Evacuations may be required in low‑lying areas if conditions change quickly. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately and follow instructions from Civil Defence and emergency services.
- If you have been evacuated, it may not be safe to return home even when the floodwaters have receded. Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities and don’t return home until they tell you it is safe to do so.
- If your home has been affected, it is important to clean and dry your house and everything in it and protect yourself while you do it. Floodwater may contain sewage and other hazardous materials which can contaminate your whare/home.
- Ensure you contact your utility suppliers if your utilities have been affected by water or debris (e.g. contact your gas supplier if your gas meter has been affected).
- After heavy rainfall, streams and rivers may continue to rise. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
Landslides
With the amount of rain Tauranga has had in recent weeks, there is an increased risk of slips and ground movement, including in areas affected before. These risks can remain even after rain eases.
People who live in properties susceptible to landslides should be particularly vigilant and should consider self-evacuating early. Learn about landslide warning signs here.
If you spot signs of a landslide:
- Keep clear of the area.
- If you feel unsafe, self-evacuate immediately. If you need further help, or you need to report an incident, call us on 07 577 7000.
- If there’s an immediate danger, call 111
Road closures
It’s possible that roads may need to close, at short notice, due to coastal inundation, including bridges and low-lying roads near the coast or harbour.
For information on state highway closures visit www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
Adams Avenue
Adams Avenue, between Maunganui Road and The Mall, will close from 5pm Saturday 11 April. Residents can still access their property although Adams Avenue will be closed to all other vehicles. This is a precautionary approach following geotechnical advice about the current risks on Mauao.
Sandbags
Sand and empty bags will be available from the Downer Depot, 58 Taurikura Drive, from 3pm on Saturday 11 April.
People will need to fill bags themselves — please bring a shovel.
Please take only what you need, so supplies are available for everyone.
Note: A bylaw prohibits the removal of sand from beaches and foreshores.
Find out more: www.tauranga.govt.nz/community/civil-defence/sandbags
Power outages
With the strong winds we’re expecting it’s possible that power outages may occur. Should you lose power, you can find the most up to date outage information at www.powerco.co.nz
Please avoid any downed powerlines. These can be extremely dangerous and should be always treated as live, even if they are not sparking or if the power is out in the area.
Call Council on 07 577 7000 or Powerco to report any downed lines.
Parks and tracks closures
All council parks and reserves with lockable gates will be closed to the public until Monday morning.
Please do not visit any parks or reserves while weather warnings are in place. Strong winds significantly increase the risk of falling branches or trees.
Several other public walking tracks are also closed during this weather event. The full list of parks, reserves and walking tracks that are closed is available at www.tauranga.govt.nz/weatherevent
Motorhome and campervan users
People staying in motorhomes, campervans or cars should plan where to park safely. Avoid beaches, coastal areas, and low‑lying locations. If possible, park in an elevated, sheltered car park away from trees and areas prone to flooding.
The Arataki Community Centre car park (Zambuk Way, Arataki, Mount Maunganui) is one suitable option.
Report any issues
If you see any fallen trees do not attempt to remove these yourself – call council on 07 577 7000 and qualified contractors with the right equipment will sort it out.
If you spot surface flooding, blocked/damaged roads and walkways, or fallen trees, please contact Council and provide the exact location. In an emergency, call 111.
Where to find official information
Council weather event hub: www.tauranga.govt.nz/weatherevent
Road closures and slips: NZTA Journey Planner
Emergency information: https://www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence
Weather updates: www.metservice.com