Latest news for Te Papa

As Cyclone Vaianu tracks away from Tauranga, several emergency support locations are preparing to close.

As Cyclone Vaianu continues to impact Tauranga, people are strongly advised not to travel this afternoon unless absolutely necessary or facing immediate danger.

People in low-lying areas, or areas that are known to have flooded before, are encouraged to self-evacuate ahead of high tide around 2pm today when the worst impact from Cyclone Vaianu is expected to be felt.

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.