Put safety first. Act quickly if you see rising water
As Cyclone Vaianu continues to move south, it is forecast to bring extremely strong winds, heavy rain and large swells to large parts of New Zealand over the weekend.
This storm has the potential to be a significant and damaging event. We know this will be unwelcome news for communities that have recently been affected by severe weather and are still recovering.
More rain falling on ground that’s already saturated, means impacts like fallen trees, landslides, flooding and dangerous river conditions are more likely.
Please stay safe in severe weather. If life, health or property is in danger, call 111 immediately.
During a storm, stay inside. Don't walk around outside. Don't drive unless necessary. Strong winds can fell trees and poles, tear off roofs, and cause branches and debris to fly at high speed.
Put safety first. Don’t take any chances. Act quickly if you see rising water. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly. If you see rising water, do not wait for official warnings. Head for higher ground and stay away from floodwater.
Do not try to walk, play, swim, or drive in floodwater.
If you see a landslide, move out of its path and stay away from it. It is important to recognise the warning signs and act quickly.
When it is safe to do so, check on your neighbours and anyone who might need your help.
For advice on how to prepare for dangerous winds and severe weather visit GetReady.govt.nz
For local emergency updates, check your council's and Civil Defence Emergency Management Group’s websites and social media.
What's your best cost-saving tip?
Just when we thought the cost of living couldn't climb any higher...it does. While things like fuel prices are out of our control, many of us are looking for small, practical ways to stretch our dollars a bit further. So let’s put our heads together!
Over the next little while, we’ll be sharing tips to help you save money — and we’d love to hear yours too. What’s working for you right now?
Here are a few ideas to get started:
🎉 Plan ahead for the year (birthdays, events, travel) to avoid surprise costs
🪙 Check out $2 shops for everyday items like stationery, baking paper, foil, and cling wrap - often much cheaper than the supermarket
🐖 Bring back the piggy bank and save your loose change
🔨 DIY where you can - like mowing the lawn instead of paying someone
💵 Set a daily budget before heading out and stick to it (cash can help!)
🧴 Stretch household products by diluting things like shampoo or dishwashing liquid
Got a tip that’s helping you save? Share it below, the tip might make a huge difference to someone else.
How's the road noise in your area?
The rattle and roar of “50 and 60 tonne juggernauts” speeding through Cambridge around the clock has become a nightmare, and lives depend on action being taken, a resident says
The issue was not limited to the hunt for a good night’s sleep — spokesperson Caroline White told the Waipā District Council’s service delivery committee on Wednesday lives were at stake.
How's the road noise in your area? Tell us more in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
The Cost of Living: Meal Ideas 🍽️
Continuing our series on how to manage the rising cost of living, this week we’re diving into the kitchen. We want to know your "secret weapon" recipes.
Share below your go-to meals that are:
💰 Budget-friendly (won't break the bank)
🥞 Delicious and easy to whip up
🍜 Great for leftovers (dishes that stretch for several days)
Whether it’s a legendary 20-cent lentil soup or a clever way to dress up basic mince, please share your meal ideas in the comments below!
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