Severe weather on East Coast
A state of emergency has been declared for locations on the East Coast. Check out this morning's breaking news from Stuff.co.nz.
- Severe flooding hits the Tolaga Bay and Tokomaru Bay areas of Tairāwhiti.
- Two contractors are trapped near Anaura Bay, and a rescue operation is underway.
- Tairāwhiti Civil Defence has ordered the evacuation of residents in the Mangatuna area north of Gisborne.
- The Hikuwai River reached 12.8 metres after 3am, a level higher than in flooding in 2020.
- State Highway 35 from Gisborne to Ōpōtiki, is closed because of flooding, slips and washouts.
- Power is out for around 755 customers in the Tokomaru Bay area.
- There are multiple slips in Tolaga Bay Gorge, with flooding across the road making it suitable only for four-wheel drives.
- Gisborne Civil Defence manager Ben Green told RNZ the rainfall overnight was almost "biblical".
- At least seven households have been evacuated.
- Rainfall is still heavy and there is more to come across the region, potentially another 150mm today.
- Parts of Bay of Plenty could also expect more than 200mm of rain to fall today.
For further information on the evolving situation, click here.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.2% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.3% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.5% Nah - not for me
Morning Aches Are Optional - Let’s Start the Year Sleeping Better
Hey neighbours,
Waking up with sore shoulders and stiff mornings? Here’s the plot twist - it might actually be your mattress (and pillow) letting you down.
It’s the perfect time to upgrade. New Year, New Bed! Our Boxing Day Sale is still on, so why not treat yourself to a mattress that actually supports you and helps you wake up refreshed? Side sleeper? Back sleeper? Tossing and turning? We’ve got tips and solutions for every kind of snoozer.
Don’t settle for mornings that hurt, your bed should work with you, not against you. Curious about how your mattress could be affecting your shoulders? Check out our blog: beds4u.co.nz...
Find your nearest Beds4U store here: beds4u.co.nz/store-locator
Browse all Boxing Day deals: beds4u.co.nz/boxing-day
Here’s to starting 2026 waking up refreshed, because mornings should feel amazing!
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
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