Attributable to Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police Search and Rescue Team Leader.
Northland Police are urging boaties and water users to take safety seriously ahead the first long break of the warmer season.
“This is when the weak links show up,” says Detective Sergeant Paul Overton. “Flat batteries, petrol leaks, faulty ignitions, and no working radio comms — these are the kinds of issues that can quickly turn a day on the water into a rescue operation.”
Since the start of daylight saving, Police have already responded to several near misses, particularly involving kayakers and smaller vessels.
In a recent incident, Police received a call about three people stuck on a small boat in Opito Bay, Kerikeri, after their outboard motor failed and the vessel began drifting. Fortunately, all three were wearing lifejackets and were not in immediate danger. Coastguard were already in contact and towed the boat back to shore — a service covered by their membership.
“This example shows how quickly things can go wrong, even close to shore,” Detective Sergeant Overton says. “Preparation is key.”
Police are urging all water users to:
Inspect your vessel or kayak thoroughly — check fuel lines, batteries, ignition systems, and safety gear.
Test your communications — ensure your VHF radio works, and your phone is charged and waterproofed.
Know the weather forecast — conditions can change rapidly.
Carry the essentials — lifejackets, flares, extra clothing, and emergency supplies.
Have a plan — tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Carry an EPIRB or PLB – If you’re going out of mobile phone or VHF range, a beacon may become your lifeline.
“Don’t wait until problems occur to realise something’s wrong,” Detective Sergeant Overton warns. “A few simple checks can prevent a serious situation.”
Officers have made 23 arrests across Manawatū after a targeted operation to locate people with warrants.
Operation Maxim has launched this week, resulting in the arrested people appearing in courts across Manawatū yesterday.
Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Grantham says this is not a one-off, but a continuous operation focused on locating those who fail to appear in court and holding them to account for their offending.
In addition to the 23, seven other people were spoken to regarding matters where they were required to be located. Three were issued demerit notices suspending their drivers licences along with several of these people appearing on 13 additional charges.
“My advice to those in our community who have, or think they have, a warrant for their arrest is to go into their nearest police station,” says Inspector Grantham.
“Ask for the matter to be checked or make a voluntary appearance to have the warrant cleared.”
Once the police detain you on a warrant to arrest, they are obliged to hold you until the next available court appearance, this could be overnight or if detained on the weekend, one or two nights in police care.
“Get it sorted early,” says Inspector Grantham.
“Go to your local police station early on a weekday and get your warrant cleared.
“Officers are actively looking for you, so help yourself out and get it cleared.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will travel to Malaysia and to the Republic of Korea from Sunday for high-level talks aimed at strengthening New Zealand’s ties across the Indo-Pacific.
“Next week, I’ll attend both the East Asia Summit and APEC with the goal of deepening our relationships with regional leaders and unlocking new opportunities for New Zealand,” Mr Luxon says.
“New Zealand’s security and prosperity go hand-in-hand, a situation which plays out profoundly in the Indo-Pacific.
“It’s also the world’s most economically dynamic region with nine of our top ten trading partners in the Indo-Pacific.
“That’s why building strong, effective partnerships across the region is a top priority for this government.”
Prime Minister Luxon will attend the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Korea – two influential forums that together represent around 60 per cent of the global economy and over 70 per cent of New Zealand’s international trade.
In Malaysia, Mr Luxon will also co-host a leaders’ summit with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries: the ASEAN-New Zealand Commemorative Summit. He will also host events to mark a milestone 50 years of dialogue relations between New Zealand and ASEAN.
Minister of State for Trade and Investment Hon Nicola Grigg will accompany the Prime Minister to Malaysia. Minister for Customs Hon Casey Costello and Minister for Trade and Investment Hon Todd McClay will accompany him in Korea.
Southern District Police are urging motorists against non-essential travel, with debris blocking a number of roads.
State Highway 1 is being closed between Clinton and Milton, while State Highway 8 – between Lawrence and State Highway 1 – could also close due to weather.
Detective Sergeant Hamish Fraser says a number of power lines and trees have come down in strong winds.
“We urge people to stay home, and not to travel unless you absolutely have to. Anyone who has to drive should take extreme care.”
Evaluating if a river is safe to cross, and knowing the best way to do so is a vital skill for trampers in the backcountry.
Here are some of the lessons I learned at a river safety course, and why I think you should do one too.
I’ve heard a lot of stories of river crossings gone wrong, but this one stuck with me.
A couple I met at the river safety course told me about a recent overnight tramp they did with a group of friends. They were all quite new to tramping and had just started doing overnight trips. They’d picked a relatively easy track, with one small unbridged stream close to the car park.
On the way in the stream was about ankle deep, clear and slow moving. They all crossed it without issue.
But overnight, it rained. A lot.
The rain continued to pour the next morning, but everyone was itching to get home and dry, so they packed up and headed back down the track.
The stream was unrecognisable.
It was in flood: the dirty water was swollen and surging, waist-deep in places with tree branches were being swept rapidly down-stream.
The group knew the car was close. It was Sunday, they needed to get back for work the next day. Only this flooded stream stood in their way.
So: they crossed it anyway. And very nearly didn’t make it home.
Wading through the thundering dirty water, each step forward nearly toppled them into the river and swept them away.
An example of a dangerous flooded river, Snowy Creek by Dart hut | Gareth Jones, DOC
They were very lucky not to have drowned that day.
The experience shook them, and it’s what brought them to this river safety training.
Lesson #1: Don’t
Right off the bat, the course instructors hammered this point: you never have to cross an unsafe river.
It may sound too simple but it’s some solid advice.
The couple made the decision to cross the flooded river because they felt it was their only option. They were on the last day of their trip, soaked and tired, just wanting to get home. They disregarded the danger and chose to go in anyway.
They were lucky. One misstep, one loss of balance in the surging water and their trip could have ended in disaster.
Many of the course instructors were search and rescue volunteers. They all had stories of trampers, both experienced and new, underestimating the danger of crossing an unsafe river. Horror stories where if they just hadn’t got in the water, if they’d waited for the water level to drop, if they’d only crossed at the bridge instead, they would still be alive.
Lesson one sunk in for all of us. If a river is unsafe, do not attempt to cross it.
This lesson also taught me that crossing rivers is a mental game as much as physical. It’s easy to feel blinded by your end goal, swayed by the choices of others, or fall into the trap of overconfidence. It was a reminder to check my mindset and trust my instincts if I feel uncomfortable.
A bridge over flooded Snowy Creek | Gareth Jones, DOC
Lesson #2: Preparation is crucial
The instructors were clear that the first method for avoiding unsafe river crossings is to do your research before you head out.
During your planning, make sure you:
Choose a track that is suitable for everyone’s skill and experience. If there are members of your party that are not comfortable with river crossings, choose a different track.
Identify any river crossings on your intended route, as well as alternate track options if the river is unsafe. Choose routes with bridged crossings where possible.
Always check the weather before you go. Be prepared to choose a different track without river crossings if the weather forecast predicts heavy or prolonged rain.
Have a plan if you need to wait for a flooded river to drop. Take extra food, warm clothes and emergency shelter in case you need to wait a few extra days. Consider taking a satellite communication device as well as a PLB (personal locator beacon) so you can tell someone you will be late out.
Doing this prep beforehand sets you up to make safe, informed decisions around rivers while you’re out there.
Two trampers study map during break, Kokatahi Whitcombe Area
Lesson #3: What to do instead of crossing an unsafe river
Sometimes, no matter how well we prepare, things can go wrong. If you find yourself standing in front of a river that isn’t safe to cross, what do you do instead?
Option 1: Wait it out.
River levels can drop as quickly as they rise. Sometimes that can mean that if you wait a few hours, a swollen river can become safe to cross.
But it could also take days for the water level to drop, depending on the weather or snow melt conditions. This is where your extra food, clothes and shelter come in. Once the river levels have dropped, crossing may be possible again.
Option 2: Use your ‘Plan B’
Check your map for your chosen alternative routes without river crossings and take those instead. Sometimes there may be a bridge further along the river, so always check your map for these!
Option 3: Return the way you came
If you can get home safely by turning around and returning the way you came, do it.
Option 4: Call for help
If options 1-3 fail, call for help. It’s safer than attempting a potentially fatal river crossing. Always take a distress beacon with you, just in case.
Whitcombe Pass track, Whitcombe river in flood | Brian Dobbie
Lesson #4: The warning signs of an unsafe river
You might be wondering, what exactly is an unsafe river?
The instructors broke down the key things to look for when assessing whether a river is unsafe.
Some rivers are naturally deep and fast flowing, even without being in flood. These can be unsafe to cross at any time. Flooded rivers are very dangerous to cross.
Here’s how to spot an unsafe river:
Too fast? Is it moving faster than your normal walking pace?
Too murky? Is the water brown and dirty?
Too messy? Are there logs, branches or other debris in the water?
Too loud? Do you hear roaring water or rolling rocks?
If these features are present, the river should not be crossed.
Sometimes only one of these features may be present. For example, if a river is flowing faster than walking speed but is only ankle deep and there are no nearby debris up or down stream, crossing may be possible.
You should always look for the features of an unsafe river and assess them against the crossing location, considering any upstream and downstream hazards that could make your crossing dangerous.
Even if deemed a safe river, crossing can still be risky – the place you chose to cross is vital.
Trampers looking for a safe spot to cross a river | NZSAR
Lesson #5: Crossing a river involves careful assessment
We broke into small groups to learn how to identify a safe place to cross. The instructors told us that no matter the river, always stop to discuss and assess as a group.
We learnt to look for a spot that has:
Water depth below thigh deep on the shortest person
Water speed no faster than walking pace
Accessible entry and exit points (steep banks can be a hazard and may prevent safe entry/exit)
No white water or rapids (turbulent, frothy water)
Flat riverbed surface with minimal obstacles like large rocks
Runout with minimal hazards (where the river will lead you if you are swept downstream)
Not only are you selecting the safest place to cross, but you’re also choosing your emergency path down the river, if you do get swept down. This is why it’s vital to identify the risks downstream as well as where you plan to cross. It’s all about minimising the risk if you do get swept down.
I was particularly horrified by the concept of getting caught by a strainer – which is when an object like a tree branch lets water flow through but can trap other objects underwater (like people…) with the power of the current keeping them stuck.
Being a strong swimmer is not a guarantee against drowning if you are swept down a river. There are so many hazards present in rivers that could cause even the strongest swimmers to drown – which is why choosing the right spot is so important.
Ohinemuri River in flood, a tree branch strainer in the centre | DOC
Lesson #6: The mutual support method is the safest way to cross
After a morning of learning theory, we got to practice crossing a river as a group.
Wading in by myself first, the water flow was surprisingly strong. It was easy to see how you could lose your footing. Especially if you were on your own in the water.
Lining up in our group of five, we practiced the mutual support method, which is designed to give you extra stability and safeguard against anyone losing their footing and being swept.
At the river side we removed baggy outer clothing and packed away loose items like drink bottles. We kept our boots and packs on and lined up alongside each other in order of experience and strength.
We positioned the strongest member of the group at the upstream end, followed by the most experienced person, then the less experienced person, bookended by another strong person downstream.
Our chest straps were left undone and our waist belts were kept secured but loosened. We wove our hands between our neighbours back and their pack, grabbing on tightly to the top of their pants on their other side.
Keeping our bodies side on to the current, we crossed the river in slow, small steps, moving in a diagonal line downstream toards our chosen exit point so we weren’t fighting against the current.
In moments when peoples’ footing became unstable, the strength of the rest of the group kept them upright and they were able to regain their footing.
It was incredible just how much safer using this method felt, compared to standing in the river alone.
Trampers practicing the mutual support method | DOC
Lesson #7: You really don’t want to be swept down a river
At the end of the course, we got to experience what it’s like to be swept down a river (with careful precautions in place).
In mutual support formation, three of us waded into a section of the river that was deliberately too deep in the centre. We walked along the riverbed until our feet couldn’t touch the bottom.
Then the water swept us off our feet.
Feeling ourselves begin to float was honestly terrifying. I felt an immediate loss of control and had to fight the rising feeling of panic. We’d waded into a safe spot and the instructors were on hand with floatation rings on ropes, so my brain knew I was safe. But my body didn’t quite get the message.
Putting theory into practice, we didn’t let go of each other, staying with our arms linked. We lifted our legs up in front of us, leaning back against our packs. While we don’t take life jackets on tramps into the backcountry, our packs with pack liners are the next best thing, full of pockets of air in between your gear.
The people on either end used their free arms to try and steer us to shore. And it wasn’t easy! On our first attempt, we couldn’t get out on our own and the instructors had to throw in the rope for us to grab. But they let us feel the fear first!
Please don’t underestimate the danger of being swept down a river! One trapped boot, one boulder to the head or one unavoidable waterfall is all it could take to cause a drowning.
Hollyford River in flood, making a bridged crossing impassable | DOC
Final lesson: If in doubt, stay out
If you take anything away from this blog, let it be that. If you have any doubts about whether a river is safe to cross, or whether you have the skills and experience to cross safely, stay out of the water.
Doing the river safety training was one of the most helpful outdoor trainings I’ve done as a tramper. Knowing how to identify if a river is unsafe gives me the confidence to make hard decisions when I’m outdoors. And honestly, learning about all the ways a river could drown me was quite the reality check!
If you like to spend your time in the backcountry, please consider doing some formal training. It could save your life.
The Mountain Safety Council’s website is a great place to start learning the skills you need to be safe around rivers in the backcountry.
Police will be part of something special this weekend, supporting Bay of Plenty’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope in support of The Special Olympics Games.
Media is invited to come along to the Bay of Plenty leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run hosted by Rotorua Police.
What: Law Enforcement Torch Run for Bay of Plenty
Where: Rotorua Police Station to the Village Green
When: 10.15am on Saturday 25 October 2025
Who: District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police staff including Police Commissioner Richard Chambers
Media are welcome to take photos, video footage and conduct interviews with athletes and police staff.
The event will start at the Rotorua Police station before the torch makes its way down Pukuatua Street then along Tūtānekai Street to end at the Village Green.
Athletes from Rotorua will be joined by their counterparts from Taupō , Tokoroa and Tauranga.
The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run started in Northland in early October and will travel all the way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the Special Olympic Games begin.
The games are being held at the new Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 of December this year.
Known as Guardians of the Flame, police members carry the Flame of Hope as it traverses the country.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is expected to join the Rotorua event in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and is looking forward to getting into the spirit of the event.
“It is inspiring to see people of all abilities striving to reach their personal best through sport and competition.
“The Special Olympics is a great event which fosters respect and inclusion for people with disabilities through sport. We are proud to support these athletes and to help our local communities get excited about the games,” he said.
Police contact: Inspector Mark Harrison 021 1907 805
Special Olympics contact: Coen Lammers 021 730 239
This whitefly is very unlikely to enter New Zealand as it shows visible symptoms, and adults are likely to fly or fall off during inspection or packing. Due to limited mobility of immature stages and limited host availability, exposure to host plants is unlikely. Establishment and spread are unlikely as the whitefly only feeds on a few plant species despite climate suitability. Economic impact is minimal. While it can damage plant leaves by causing yellowing, curling and producing honeydew, which promotes sooty mould, damage is rare, and no significant losses have been reported.
Archips micaceana – Soybean leaf roller
China, India
This moth is unlikely to enter New Zealand as it produces webs and waste that are usually visible during inspection despite the possibility of hiding in grape bunches and surviving transport. Due to limited mobility of immature stages and inability to survive winter, exposure to host plants is very unlikely, despite host availability. Establishment and spread are unlikely as the moth is found in tropical and subtropical regions. However, it could establish in the warmer northernmost areas if suitable host plants are available. Economic impact is minimal and would be largely restricted by climate despite availability of host material.
Archips podana – Large fruit-tree tortrix
China, Korea, USA
The moth could enter New Zealand undetected as larvae or pupae hidden in grape bunches, especially non-feeding stages that cause no visible damage; however, due to limited mobility of immature stages, exposure to host plants is very unlikely. Establishment and spread are very likely due to favourable climate and wide availability of host plants. Economic impact is moderate. Its larvae can damage various crops by rolling leaves together and feeding on fruits, reducing yield and market value. It is a moderate to major pest of apples and pears.
Argyrotaenia ljungiana*
China
Likely to be detected during commercial production activities.
Cryptoblabes gnidiella*
Egypt, India, Korea, Mexico
Popillia quadriguttata*
China, Korea
Botrytis prunorum
Chile
This fungus could enter New Zealand with mild infections possibly going unnoticed; otherwise, symptoms are likely to be detected either before or after harvest. However, host exposure is very unlikely due to low spore production and weak pathogenicity. If it were to enter NZ, it could establish and spread, as a closely related Botrytis species is already widespread due to favourable climate. Economic impact is minor, causing blossom blight and post-harvest fruit rot but very unlikely to add significantly to existing Botrytis-related losses.
Coniella vitis – White rot of grapevine
China
This fungus is unlikely to enter New Zealand as it infects damaged fruit, and symptoms are typically visible, despite spores on the surface of healthy grapes possibly going unnoticed. Host exposure is unlikely as the disease requires open wounds, and favourable conditions (high moisture and, warm temperatures). Establishment and spread are unlikely and limited to the warmer regions of New Zealand where grapevines grow. Economic impact is minimal with white rot possible under ideal conditions though New Zealand’s climate may limit outbreaks.
Dysmicoccus brevipes – Pineapple mealybug
Chile, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA
This mealybug is very unlikely to enter New Zealand due to poor survival during transport. Due to limited mobility of young and adult stages, exposure to host plants is unlikely, despite host availability. Establishment and spread are unlikely or very unlikely, especially in cooler regions, though possible in warmer areas or greenhouses. Economic impact is minor. While it can affect other crops, climate limits their spread. Indirect damage may include honeydew production, which promotes sooty mould reducing fruit quality and market value.
Eulia stalactitis (Chileulia stalactitis)*
Chile
Based on information available the webbing and the feeding of the pest should be detected either in field monitoring, grading, sorting or phytosanitary inspection. Basic measures are considered appropriate.
Ferrisia gilli
USA
These mealybugs are very unlikely to enter New Zealand, as they’re easily detected, have few hiding spots on grapes, prefer other hosts over grapes, or unlikely to survive transport. Due to limited host range, and limited mobility exposure to host plants is unlikely, despite host availability. Establishment and spread are unlikely as climate in New Zealand is generally unsuitable (too cold) in most areas to support its survival. Economic impact is minor. While they can affect other crops, climate limits their spread. Indirect damage may include honeydew production, which promotes sooty mould reducing fruit quality and market value
Nipaecoccus viridis
Australia, China, Egypt, India, Mexico
Paracoccus marginatus
Australia, China, India, Mexico
Phenacoccus solenopsis
Australia, Chile, China, Egypt, India
Planococcus lilacinus
China, Mexico, USA
Planococcus minor
China, India
Pseudococcus cribata
Australia, India, Mexico
Pseudococcus cryptus
Chile, China
Pseudococcus meridionalis
Australia, Chile, India, Korea
Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae
Australia, China, Egypt, India, Korea, Mexico, Peru
These fungi have been reported in other hosts but have not been investigated in grape berries. If found on grapes, they could enter New Zealand as infection may be asymptomatic. However, host exposure is unlikely requiring open wounds despite host availability. Suitable climate and widespread hosts could facilitate establishment and spread; however, low temperatures may slow growth. Economic impact is moderate and sporadic, mainly affecting stressed or wounded plants.
L. theobromae** – Diplodia rot
Australia, Chile, China, Egypt, India, Korea, Mexico, Peru, USA
Marmara gulosa – Citrus peelminer
Mexico, USA
The moth is unlikely to enter New Zealand as it rarely infests grape bunches and prefers citrus fruits. Limited flight restricts movement, making exposure to hosts unlikely despite their availability. Establishment and spread are likely due to common host plants, high reproduction and suitable climate. Economic impact ranges from minor to moderate, causing cosmetic damage to citrus fruits, particularly grapefruit, reducing their market value.
Neopulvinaria innumerabilis
USA
These scales are unlikely to enter New Zealand as they are not strongly associated with grapes, they are likely to be detected and unlikely to survive transport. Due to limited mobility, exposure to host plants is unlikely, despite host availability. Establishment and spread are likely as these scales are present in a wide range of climates and can establish in some parts of New Zealand. Economic impact is moderate. These scales can feed on a wide range of economically important host plants, and heavy infestations can cause symptoms of decline, potentially affecting both yield and quality. However, effective control methods are available.
Ceroplastes actiniformis
China, Egypt, India
Ceroplastes cirripediformis
Chile, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA
Parthenolecanium orientalis
China, Korea
Russellaspis pustulans
China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA
Aonidiella orientalis
Australia, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA
Oligonychus punicae*
Australia, Chile, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Peru, USA
Weak association with table grapes and low risk of exposure. Basic measures are considered appropriate.
Popillia mutans*
China, Korea, India
Visibly detectable, the larvae and pupae are associated with grass and soil, and adult associated with branches because it is an external feeder. Basic measures are considered appropriate.
Proeulia triquetra*
Chile
Not enough information available to conduct a PRA but is likely to be detected so basic measures are considered appropriate.
Retithrips syriacus- Black vine thrips
Egypt, India
This thrip is very unlikely to enter New Zealand, as its easily detected and unlikely to survive transport. Limited flight restricts movement, making exposure to hosts unlikely despite their availability. Establishment and spread are likely in warmer regions of New Zealand due to favourable climate and widespread host plants. Economic impact ranges from minor to moderate including defoliation, feeding damage, and excrement contamination on horticultural crops, but can be managed through insecticides, biopesticides, cultural practices, or biological control.
European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will visit New Zealand this week to participate in the European Union-New Zealand Business Summit and first NZ-EU Trade Committee meeting.
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay says it will be the first time an EU Trade Commissioner has visited since 2018, which was for the formal launch of free trade talks.
Commissioner Šefčovič will be joined by senior government representatives and business leaders spanning a range of sectors including construction, cybersecurity, food and renewable energy.
More than 400 businesses will connect at the summit in Auckland, with 26 European Union member states represented.
“This summit will open doors for trade, creating opportunities for business growth and investment and to reach our goal of doubling export value in 10 years,” Mr McClay says.
The inaugural NZ-EU Trade Committee meeting will also be held on Saturday in Queenstown.
“I’m pleased to be hosting Commissioner Šefčovič for this milestone meeting, which will ensure we are making the most of our high-quality Free Trade Agreement.
“We’re committed to unlocking the full potential of this agreement to boost trade, investment and partnership so businesses across New Zealand and Europe can flourish.
“The EU is an important trading partner for New Zealand, both for exports and imports. Two-way goods and services trade between New Zealand and the EU was worth NZ$21.58 billion in the year to June 2025, with New Zealand exports having increased by $2 billion since the FTA entered into force last year.”
Commissioner Šefčovič will arrive on Friday, October 24 and depart on Saturday, October 25.
A strong wind warning is in place in Tararua district for severe gales gusting to 120km per hour.Supplied/LDR
Manawatū-Whanganu residents and visitors are being urged to prepare for potentially serious weather around Labour Weekend, with heavy rain and winds forecast.
Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence is bringing in extra staff to its Emergency Coordination Centre in response to the forecast.
Tararua District is under a heavy wind warning from 10am today until 3am tomorrow, with severe gale winds gusting to 120 kilometres per hour.
Horowhenua District is under a heavy wind warning from 9am until 7pm today, with severe gale winds gusting to 120 kilometres per hour.
The Tararua Range is under a heavy rain warning from 10am until 8pm today. Expect 80 to 100 mm of rain, with peak rates of 15 to 25 mm per hour.
There is also a heavy rain watch for Tongariro National Park from 3pm until 11pm today. There is a moderate chance this will be upgraded to a warning.
Emergency Management Group controller Craig Grant said parts of the region had already been hit by severe weather in the past two weeks.
He said staff have been monitoring the situation throughout the week, but more staff were being brought in to support the region’s response.
“With many watches and warnings across the region, and the worst of the weather forecast to come through this afternoon and evening, we are ensuring we are prepared for any situation. Staff are rostered throughout the weekend, including into the evening.
“We are in contact with district and city council emergency management teams, as well as partner agencies such as emergency services and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, to ensure everyone has what they need to respond to local issues.”
Grant said people should take the time to prepare.
“While Horowhenua, Tararua and Ruapehu are under watches and warnings, the weather will also impact other parts of the region – such as Manawatū and Palmerston North.
“There are simple things you can do like ensuring you have supplies ready in case you need to stay at home for a prolonged period, as well as preparing a grab bag of essential items for if you need to evacuate in a hurry.”
Tararua District was still recovering from Tuesday’s weather, which caused multiple power outages, ripped roofing iron from houses, and brought heavy rain to some areas.
“People in Tararua District should take precautionary measures ahead of the strong winds, such as either tying down or moving inside objects such as garden furniture, pot plants and trampolines.
“Further damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures is possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles such as campervans and lighter vehicles such as motorcycles.”
Residents should drive to the conditions and, if possible, avoid any unessential travel, Grant said.
“Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon, so we may see hazards across our roading network. Please stay home if you can and keep up to date with the weather conditions.”
He also urged those planning to camp or travel over the long weekend to be well prepared.
“People travelling to the area for camping or recreation during the long weekend should ensure they are prepared for the weather. Take plenty of supplies, and be sure to have a radio with a list of key frequencies,” he said.
Catchments across the region are already saturated, and waterways could rise quickly if there is further heavy rain.
“People camping near waterways should keep this in mind. Keep an eye on the forecast and waterways, and be prepared to move.
“It is always better to move earlier rather than later. If in doubt, delay or postpone your trips.”
While it was too early to predict Monday’s conditions with certainty, early forecasts showed more rain was possible.
“We will learn more as we get closer to Monday, but currently it appears there will be another front similar to what we have experienced recently moving north through the region,” Grant said.
“We’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation throughout the long weekend, with staffing organised.”
He said people could keep up to date with key information on this weather event on the Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Facebook page.
“If at any time you, your family and/or your property are at risk, immediately contact emergency services on 111.”
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
