Taking care of people during Cyclone Gabrielle
Civil Defence is all about looking after the welfare of our people. If you are in need of immediate help, please call us on 09-430-4200 for the latest information and advice.
If the storm makes it unsafe to stay in your home, there will be two types of places you can go.
1️⃣ Community led welfare centres
These can be established in local facilities including Marae and Halls. These are setup quickly by local communities as required and supported by Civil Defence.
There are two community-led welfare centres already operating for the homeless community of Whangarei: Terenga Paraoa Marae on Porowini Avenue (Central Whangarei) and 155 Whare Āwhina (Open Arms), at 155 Kamo Road.
2️⃣ Civil Defence Emergency Evacuation Centres
These are fully operated by Civil Defence, intended to shelter large numbers of people if necessary. We have prepared, but not opened, an evacuation centre at McKay Stadium in Kensington. It can be activated quickly if necessary.
We are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support we can already see in the community. If you're safe and dry at home please check in on your neighbours too. Make sure you're prepared for a water outage or a power cut, have a flood plan, and think of indoor activities for kids.
🦺 Kia kaha community - come together and stand strong.
Photo: Our Emergency Operations Centre in the Council Chambers at Forum North (file photo from earlier this year)
Next Sunday – Christmas Market at Reyburn House, Town Basin!
Next Sunday – Christmas Market at Reyburn House!
Join us for a festive Sunday Christmas Market at the beautiful Reyburn House, Town Basin, Whangārei
On Sunday 21 December 2025 from 10:00am – 3:00pmat Reyburn House, Town Basin, Whangārei
Enjoy a relaxed summer Sunday filled with:
- Handmade arts & crafts
- Christmas gifts & local treasures
- Food treats & sweet delights
- Festive vibes in a heritage setting
- Free Entry to Reyburn House Art Gallery
With Free parking, Dog friendly on lead and Family friendly
A perfect chance to support local makers, finish your Christmas shopping, and soak up the community spirit by the water.
Where heritage, creativity, and Christmas come together!
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.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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40.6% Yes
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33.8% Maybe?
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25.7% No
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