10/04/2026
CYCLONE VAIANU — UPDATE 4 - RED WIND WARNING AND ORANGE RAIN WARNING ISSUED
Friday 10 April 2026, 10:25am
The track of Cyclone Vaianu is now becoming much clearer. Current models have the Peninsula directly in the cyclone's path, with the centre expected to pass close to or over the Coromandel around midday Sunday.
You will start to feel effects from this evening. Conditions will deteriorate through Saturday and become severe overnight Saturday into Sunday morning. The worst should be over by late Sunday afternoon, but this is shaping up as a high-impact event across multiple hazards simultaneously.
Rain: Expect 100mm or more in coastal areas. The ranges will receive considerably more, and Earth Sciences NZ has flagged that some areas could see over 200mm in an 18 to 24-hour period. Flooding is expected at all of the usual problem areas.
Wind: A MetService Red Wind Warning is in force for the Peninsula, with gusts forecast to 140km/h. With the ground already heavily saturated after more than 880mm of rain over the past four weeks, these winds will cause land instability, slips, and significant tree fall. Power outages are expected to be widespread. Charge your devices now and have a battery or car radio ready.
Coastal: Large swells and significant wave action are expected on all exposed coastlines. Estuaries and tidal waterways face surge risk well away from the open coast. Stay out of the water. Stay away from beaches throughout the weekend.
TCDC Civil Defence Controller Brian Carter says communities should be prepared. Sandbags remain available across the Peninsula until Saturday from collection points in Whitianga, Thames, Whangamata, Coromandel Town, Tairua, and Pauanui. Full locations are at tcdc.govt.nz/TCV.
Hauraki District Mayor Toby Adams says his district's coastal and low-lying areas are the main concern, and the predicted rainfall is likely to isolate communities and cut access to the Coromandel through Waihi. He is urging people to avoid all travel and have an evacuation plan ready. HDC residents should check hauraki-dc.govt.nz or the Antenno app for local updates.
NEMA Director John Price says with the ground already saturated, landslides are almost certain in some areas. Do not enter floodwaters. Trust your danger sense and do not wait for official warnings before acting.
Follow all Civil Defence advice. Stay updated at tcdc.govt.nz/TCV, hauraki-dc.govt.nz, metservice.com, and getready.govt.nz.
MetService Red Wind Warning
Area: Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island
Period: 13 hours from 5:00am Sunday 12 April to 6:00pm Sunday 12 April
Forecast: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerly Sunday afternoon, with damaging gusts of 140km/h. Winds easing from the north during Sunday afternoon.
Impact: Threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.
Action: Stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. Avoid travel. Be ready for power and communication outages.
MetService Orange Rain Warning
Area: Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane including Rotorua
Period: 14 hours from 2:00am Sunday 12 April to 4:00pm Sunday 12 April
Forecast: 150 to 180mm expected, especially about the ranges. Peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/hr Sunday morning and early afternoon. Large swells and coastal inundation also likely.
Note: Moderate chance of upgrade to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear drains and gutters. Avoid low-lying areas. Drive cautiously.
