The declaration allows the response to worsening weather conditions to be swift and coordinated, helping to minimise the risk to people and property.
This precautionary step ensures Controllers and others with emergency powers can respond quickly and efficiently to keep people safe. These powers include the ability to close roads or public places, carry out urgent works, remove or secure dangerous structures and materials, and provide first aid, food, or shelter where needed.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the decision to declare a Local State of Emergency is about giving emergency services extra powers to act quickly, if required, to keep people safe.
“Declaring early is a precautionary measure,” Mahé says.
“Our Emergency Operations Centre is active and ready to respond as needed to support Tauranga throughout this event.
“We are encouraging people who live in coastal or low-lying properties, particularly those that are known to have flooded before, to take this situation seriously and consider self-evacuating early.
“Please continue to follow official updates, look out for one another, and check on neighbours who may need support.” Mahé says
More information
For the latest council updates, visit our weather event hub at www.tauranga.govt.nz/weatherevent
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.
Weather updates: www.metservice.com
Emergency information: https://www.facebook.com/BOPCivilDefence
State highway closures: www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/bay-of-plenty
Council Facebook: www.facebook.com/TaurangaCityCouncil
If you need to report an issue, please call our contact centre on 07 577 7000 and provide the exact location. Our team is available 24/7.
If life is in danger, call 111 immediately.
Stay safe out there and look out for each other.