11 April 2026

Cyclone Vaianu – Marae open tonight for self evacuation

Coastal and harbour inundation is a significant concern as Cyclone Vaianu approaches for Tauranga, with the potential for flooding 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. There are known areas of concern for coastal and harbour inundation in Tauranga: Otūmoetai, Matua, Bureta, Maungatapu (slips), Chapel Street, Marine Parade, Oceanbeach Road, Omanu Beach, Harrisons Cut, Motiti Road and Taylor Reserve.

If you are self-evacuating from your property, please seek refuge with friends or whānau first where possible.

Several marae are providing shelter and support during this weather event and are open tonight for self-evacuation. People are encouraged to consider going to a marae, where they will be welcomed and supported in a comfortable environment. For a full list of the marae that are open, and important information on what to bring and do on arrival please visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/weatherevent.

Other evacuation centres include:

Now open 

  • Whakamarama Hall is open - 469 Whakamarama Road, Whakamarama, 3176

Opening Sunday morning  

  • Mercury Baypark will open from 8am, Sunday morning - 81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui 3152
  • Matua Bowling Club will be open from 9am to 4pm, Sunday - 108 Levers Road, Matua, Tauranga 3145

We are monitoring the 2am high tide on Sunday to get an indication of where any immediate concerns for coastal and harbour inundation may be. This will provide more insights on the likely impacts for Sunday afternoon and how we can plan for these.

For updates on Cyclone Vaianu please visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/weatherevent.

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.

Posted: 11 April 2026
Categories: News, City-wide
Tags: Community , Cyclone Vaianu

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