Latest news for Te Papa

Cyclone Vaianu is impacting Tauranga. There is potential threat to life due to strong winds, large waves, higher tides, heavy rain, and landslides.

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.

Today, Saturday 11 April 2026 at 5:35pm, Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale declared a state of local emergency for Tauranga, in preparation for the arrival of Cyclone Vaianu.

Tauranga City Council is extremely concerned by reports of people breaching the closure of Moturiki Island.

As we continue to track Cyclone Vaianu, we have several updates to share with the community. 

Tauranga City Council has activated its Emergency Operations Centre ahead of the arrival of Cyclone Vaianu.

As we continue to track Cyclone Vaianu, we have several updates to share with the community.

We are closely monitoring Cyclone Vaianu, which could bring damaging, potentially life-threatening winds, heavy rain and hazardous coastal conditions to the region.

Tauranga City Council has endorsed a package of targeted transport changes to help manage travel during a period of significant disruption as major roading and waters projects get underway.

There is a MetService orange heavy rain warning in place for Tauranga from midnight tonight.

People with the ability to represent and articulate tangata whenua perspectives and views, and have strong local tangata whenua relationships, are invited to apply for upcoming vacancies on two TCC CCO boards.

Kevin Lavery has been appointed Establishment Chief Executive of the new joint Water Organisation being established by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council.