All weather warnings and watches have been lifted for the Bay of Plenty.
While rainfall totals were lower than initially forecast in some areas, this was still a significant weather event, bringing damaging winds, storm surge, elevated sea levels, and coastal flooding and erosion.
There were power outages, some fallen trees and self-evacuation of low-lying coastal areas ahead of high tide on Sunday.
Mayor Mahé says that while the effects of the storm were thankfully not as bad as initially predicted, it is always better to plan for the worst, even if that doesn’t eventuate.
“We will never apologise for being prepared - it is a good thing to be ready, even if we don’t end up needing it.”
Praise for community spirit
Mayor Mahé is praising the city’s residents for their patience, cooperation, and community spirit during the weekend’s severe weather event.
“We want to say a sincere thank you to everyone across our community for the care and effort you showed in preparing for the severe weather.
“By getting ready early, checking on neighbours, and choosing not to travel unless necessary, you helped keep yourself, your whānau, and our wider community safe. Heeding the advice to stay off the roads made a real difference and supported our emergency services and council teams to focus where they were needed most.
“We know these decisions aren’t always easy. Your patience, cooperation, and community spirit during challenging conditions truly matter and reflect the strength of our city.”
Mayor Mahé also thanks iwi partners, marae and community emergency hubs across the city, who moved quickly to provide welcoming, safe spaces where the community could find comfort and shelter.
More than 50 people sheltered in local marae over the weekend, and an emergency assistance centre was set up at Mercury Baypark. Community members also opened the Matua Bowling Club and The Atrium in Ōtumoetai to offer support. The last three marae to remain open last night – Huria Marae, Mangatawa Marae and Wairoa Marae – closed after breakfast today.
Following a geotechnical assessment onsite at Mauao earlier today, Adams Avenue in Mount Maunganui will reopen this afternoon.
There is still an increased risk of landslips and ground movement, including in areas affected before. These risks can remain even after rain eases so we encourage people to be careful and to keep looking for any signs of instability.
All council parks and reserves have reopened open again today. Council staff will be out and about across the city today cleaning up debris. The Waikareao Estuary walkway will reopen on Tuesday 14 April. The Ōropi Grove Mountain Bike Park remains closed.
Surface flooding, blocked/damaged roads and walkways, or fallen trees, can be reported to Council on 07 577 7000.
Mayor Mahé says he is proud of our community and how everyone responded to this event.
“Thank you for looking out for one another and for playing your part. Together, we help to keep our community safe.”