Gisborne residents may need to evacuate
Heavy rain is causing streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are possible at this time with driving conditions hazardous. Gisborne residents near Hikuwai River have been urged to prepare for evacuation while farmers have been asked to move their stock to higher ground.
Emergency management for the Tairāwhiti district have shared the following information:
- Residents need to have a plan in case we need to evacuate. Please check on whānau and neighbours.
- If you know you could possibly get cut off, make plans to move now or be prepared with enough supplies for 3 days including medication.
- We recommend campers in exposed coastal areas pack up and move to a safer place or a holiday park.
- If MetService upgrade the orange warning to a red warning, we will temporarily close our summer camping areas.
- All unsealed roads are closed to heavy vehicles at this stage until 8pm Wednesday 11 January. If this period is extended a decision will be made at 11.30am Wednesday.
- Transfer stations are closed until further notice at Tokomaru Bay, Te Araroa, Te Puia and Matawai.
- 180 homes are without power around the Tauwharepare, Ihungia areas. Reports of trees down on power lines.
- First alert flood warnings are issued for Hikuwai River at WillowFlat and Waipaoa River at Kanakanaia.
- All sports grounds are closed, including the Whataupoko mountain bike park tracks.
- Emergency sewer valves have been opened into city’s waterways.
There's a strong wind watch and wave warning - there’s currently 3m waves expected to reach 6m. A further 150mm to 200mm of rain is expected on top of what has already fallen, giving event totals of 250 to 350mm. Peak rates of 15 - 25 mm/h are possible until tonight.
Keep up to date with any changes using the Gisborne District Council website and MetService.
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Keep safe and happy in Hawke’s Bay these holidays
As holiday-makers enjoy their time in the sunny Hawke’s Bay, Police have advice for both locals and visitors about how to ensure we head into 2026 on a high note.
Inspector Lincoln Sycamore, Hawke’s Bay Area Commander, says he wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable New Year in our region.
“We welcome you if you’re in Hawke’s Bay to enjoy the weather, food, and everything else our area has to offer. Respect each other, don’t overindulge and make good decisions. Don’t be ‘that person’ who ruins it for everyone.”
🔵 Staff deployed across Hawke’s Bay, to beaches, events and more
“Keep yourselves safe and look after each other,” says Inspector Sycamore.
There will be a strong Police presence in traditional holiday hotspots across our region, including our beautiful beaches.
We all have a responsibility to ensure our friends and loved ones are safe this summer, so keep an eye out and report any concerns you have.”
🔵 Visible presence on Hawke’s Bay roads: If you can’t follow road rules, expect to see red and blue in your rear-view.
Inspector Sycamore says officers will continue to be out on our roads, targeting unsafe drivers.
“Alcohol continues to be a factor in a number of crashes across the region, and we will continue to set up checkpoints and breath test drivers,” he says.
"Wear your seatbelt, don’t drink and drive, stay off your phone and make sure you’re rested."
🔵 When you’re shopping, we’ll be watching
As you flash your cash at the holiday sales, Police beat teams will be conducting routine patrols through retail areas right into the New Year.
Inspector Sycamore says officers will be checking in with local store workers and members of the community.
If you feel unsafe or have concerns about dangerous, illegal or suspicious behaviour, call Police on 111.
For non-urgent concerns you can call 105 or visit www.police.govt.nz... and report the incident online.
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