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Weather related issues and updates

Update on Tauranga road closures, flooding and slips

There are currently no weather warnings or watches for the Bay of Plenty but this may change. For weather updates see MetService.

Our staff and contractors are working around the city, cleaning up and clearing the roads as fast as they can.

Update: Thursday 16 February 2023 at 12.39pm

Mauao reopens post Cyclone Gabrielle

Mauao is now open after being closed due to Cyclone Gabrielle

The team have carried out extensive checks of the maunga which has weathered the storm well, but some track surfaces may be uneven so please take care and be mindful when visiting.

Some of the team will remain on the maunga to carry out minor works with some small, intermittent closures on track sections while the work is completed.

We appreciate the community's patience while this closure was in place.

Moturiki (Leisure Island) reopens after closure due to Cyclone Gabrielle

Moturiki (Leisure Island) is now open after being closed due to Cyclone Gabrielle. At this stage, Mauao remains closed.

We appreciate the community's patience as we work to clear slips and assess damage. The maunga will reopen once it is safe to do so.

Signage and barriers are in place at all closure points and are there to ensure public safety.

 

Parks and reserves 

Access to Moturiki (Leisure Island) opened earlier today . The following parks have also reopened:
Pāpāmoa Domain, Fergusson Park, as well as Fergusson to Beach Rd walkway, Taylor Reserve car park and Omanu car park.
We continue to work to clear slips and debris in the following reserves, which remain closed and it will take another few days for our crews to clear everything:
Mauao, Yatton Park, Harrisons Cut and McLaren Falls Park – this includes freedom camping areas in those parks that offer it.

Roads

Our roads are all now open. The clean-up continues however as our team remove debris, sweep the streets and you can expect some traffic management in places as we clear fallen trees. 
Please follow Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Waikato BoP for State Highway updates.

Kerbside collections

We are expecting to be running a little behind with our glass recycling collections today in Gate Pa, and for glass collections the rest of this week.
If your glass recycling bin isn’t emptied on your normal collection day this week, please leave it out for collection on the next day (we will be collecting on Saturday for those who have a collection on Friday). If it still isn’t collected by 8pm the next day, please get in touch with us to let us know.

Water

Our city’s stormwater, wastewater and water treatment facilities are all operating well and our water supply is returning to normal capacity.

Praise for city's response to the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle

After a sleepless night for many in Tauranga, Commission Chair Anne Tolley has praised the “immense” efforts of everyone involved in the city’s response to the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Tauranga City has seen multiple situations of fallen trees blocking roads and felling power lines, and crews have been working around the clock to remedy those issues as quickly as possible.

We are grateful that things aren’t worse here and that our infrastructure has held up well.

“Thank you for the immense efforts of the iwi of Tauranga Moana, staff, contractors, and volunteers who have worked hard to keep our communities safe, and to the many agencies who offered to lend a hand.
 
“Our hearts go out to the many people around the country whose homes and properties have been damaged by the cyclone, and in particular to the Fire and Emergency staff in Muriwai who were trapped in a collapsed building this morning.”
 
Anne says the declaration of a National State of Emergency indicates how serious and widespread this extreme weather event has been for many.
 
Many childcare centres, schools and workplaces around the city were closed today and it is normal for people to feel anxious and stressed as we try to return to ‘business as usual’, says Anne.
 
“If you’re struggling to cope, know that you’re not alone. If you’re able to, reach out to loved ones, neighbours and colleagues. Check in and ask how they’re doing and help where you can.”
 
People feeling anxious can also free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.
 
While a National State of Emergency is still in place, Tauranga City Council’s Emergency Operations Centre has now been stood down as the threat from Cyclone Gabrielle has passed for Tauranga and the clean-up can be managed through normal business operations.

Duty Controller Nigel McGlone says contractors and crews are out assessing the damage and attending to the most urgent jobs.

 “We are now in clean-up mode and focusing on the big stuff first. We appreciate everyone’s patience as our crews get on with the job of clearing storm debris."

Road closures and traffic management

Please follow Waka Kotahi for State Highway updates.

  • Botanical Road:  A tree has brought down power lines on Botanical Road at the intersection with 19th Avenue. The power to this area is off and it may be for up to 48 hours while Powerco works to restore it. The tree is still being cleared and the road is under traffic management.  
  • Cameron Road:  The westbound lane of Cameron Road between Arundel Street and 5th Avenue is closed due to a large tree blocking the road. The eastbound lane (towards the city centre) is open.  
  • Ngatai Road: A fallen tree that came down on powerlines has now been cleared. Powerco are still working on power lines, and traffic management is in place.
  • Devonport Road: between 9th and 10th Avenues, a tree is blocking the road, and a detour in place.  
Fallen trees, debris, slips and other damage

 About 30 trees have fallen around the city overnight, and there is a lot of tree debris on our roads, parks and reserves.
 
The following parks and reserves are closed until further notice while assessment and clean-up takes place.

  • Tutarawānanga - Yatton Park – a large tree has fallen in the park
  • Mauao and Moturiki (Leisure Island) All tracks will remain closed as we work to clear slips and assess damage. Signage and barriers are in place at all closure points and are there to ensure public safety. We are asking people not to visit. 
  • McLaren Falls, Fergusson Park, Kulim Park, Beach Road Reserve, Omanu Beach carpark, Pāpāmoa Domain, Taylor Reserve Carpark, Harrisons Cut Beach Accessway, and Waikareao Estuary Walkway from Maxwells Road to Coach Drive, are closed. This includes freedom camping areas in those parks.

Our contractors are doing an excellent job clearing the roads as fast as they can, however there will be disruptions around the road network today and detours will be in place.
 
There is a large amount of debris across the city’s berms and beaches. It will take a few days to clear all the debris and we ask people to be patient and give our crews space to clean up. 
 
There is also a lot of debris in our parks and reserves, and on our beaches. While access may not be closed to the public, please take care when moving under any trees and report any fallen trees, slips and damage to our customer contact centre on 07 577 000.

Please continue to conserve water   

The city’s stormwater and wastewater systems coped very well last night, as did our water treatment plants. The water treatment plants were shut down around midnight. The stream quality was assessed and all the plants were back in operation by 2pm. The water supply is therefore returning to normal operation subject to any further heavy rainfall events.

We ask that people continue to be mindful of how they use water over the next few days in case our water treatment plants require any further shutdown. 

Power outages

Around 320 homes are currently without power in the city, including 113 properties in Bellevue, 130 in Tauranga South and about 40 in Tauriko.

Please regularly check Powerco’s outage map for the latest information on current outages. Residents can report an outage either by contacting their retailer (the company they pay their power bill to) or using Powerco’s report an outage page. 

Cyclone Gabrielle Update

Cyclone Gabrielle has caused damage around Tauranga overnight. We had multiple reports of trees falling and debris on the roads all around the city, road signs damaged, and power lines down. Some areas lost power.

MetService recorded our highest gust of wind at about 9.10pm - up to 90kph.

Emergency services and our contractors have been doing an excellent job clearing the roads as fast as they can. Much of the debris and fallen trees found overnight were pushed to the sides of the roads. The priority was to clear the road, and debris removal will take place over the coming days.

There will be disruptions around the road network today and detours will be in place.

To give our crews space to clean up, we would appreciate if people would limit their travel on the roads today. There will be contractors around the city working on the clean-up, so if you are out and about, please take care and be considerate of the work they need to do. 

Evacuation centres 

Thanks to the Trustpower Baypark staff who looked after our evacuation centre last night. Trustpower Baypark is now closed. No one required use of the centre overnight. 

A special thank you to our local marae who volunteered their time overnight to open their doors to a small number of people who self-evacuated.

Parks, reserves and walkways 

We don’t yet know the condition of our parks, reserves and walkways after last night. Our team will assess these as soon as they can. At this stage yesterday’s guidance remains: 

  • All tracks on Mauao, including Te Ara Tūtanga (Mauao base track) and Moturiki (Leisure Island) remain closed. We need to check the track conditions before we can safely reopen. 
  • Fergusson Park, Kulim Park, Beach Road Reserve, Omanu Beach carpark, Pāpāmoa Domain, Taylor Reserve Carpark and Harrisons Cut Beach Accessway are closed. This includes freedom camping areas in those parks. 
  • Please avoid walkways due to falling branches and take care when moving under any trees. 
  • We know there is damage to some beach accessways so please exercise caution. 
Roads blocked 

Botanical Road 
A tree has brought down a power line on Botanical Road at the intersection with 19th Avenue. The power to this area is off and it may be for some time while Powerco work to restore it. The tree is still being cleared and the road is under traffic management.  

Cameron Road 
The westbound lane of Cameron Road between Arundel Street and 5th Avenue is closed due to a large tree blocking the road. The eastbound lane (towards the city centre) is open.  

Waihi Road city bound between Churchill and Montgomery – tree blocking road.

Devonport Road between 9th and 10th Avenues - tree blocking road, detour in place. 

Power outages 

Powerco advises customers to:  

  • Regularly check Powerco’s outage map for the latest information on current outages 
  • Report an outage either by contacting your retailer (the company you pay your power bill to), or using Powerco’s report an outage page 
  • visit Powerco’s power outage tips page for information on other measures to take during an outage.

In the event of an emergency, such as lines down, customers should:  

  • Treat lines as live at all times, and keep people and animals well clear 
  •  Phone 0800 27 27 27 or 111 to report it. 
Pāpāmoa kerbside rubish collection 

The Pāpāmoa kerbside rubbish collection will go ahead today.  
 
We are likely to feel the effects of this weather event for a few days to come. Once we’ve been able to assess the full impact of the cyclone in daylight, we’ll send further updates. 

 

Trees and debris on the roads

We are hearing reports of trees and debris covering the roads in multiple locations, and they’re still coming down. Emergency services and our contractors are responding as quickly as possible, but we need people to avoid all unnecessary travel.

Should you discover a fallen streetlight or power pole, do not attempt to move or touch it as there may be a risk of electrocution.

If you feel unsafe in your home as a result of this weather event, please evacuate to friends or whānau, or to an emergency shelter.

If you need to report falling trees, debris or power poles please call our Contact Centre 24/7 on 07 577 7000.

 

Emergency shelters open

The storm surges, strong winds and heavy rain caused by Cyclone Gabrielle have already caused some erosion along parts of the coastline. This coupled with a 2am high tide may cause flooding in low-lying, harbourside and coastal areas.

If people feel unsafe, we recommend staying with friends and family if possible. As a precaution, the following locations are also available for emergency shelter if people need to evacuate.

Baypark Stadium: 81 Truman Lane
Tamapahore Marae: 46 Tareha Lane, Mangatawa
Huria Marae: 1 Te Kaponga Street, Brookfield
Hungahungatoroa Marae: 29a Hungahungatorora Road, Matapihi
Whetu Marae: 612 Welcome Bay Road

Make sure to take everything you need, such as:

  • Clothes
  • Food and snacks
  • Medication
  • Prescription glasses
  • Sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Pets are welcome at Baypark (They will have to stay in your vehicle)

You can find the most up to date weather information at: https://www.metservice.com/national

If there is immediate threat to life, dial: 111

 

Community urged to conserve water as treatment plants come under pressure

Tauranga City Council is calling for residents to conserve water over the next few days as its water treatment plants come under pressure from storm sediment.

Council’s water services manager Peter Bahrs says bad weather from Cyclone Gabrielle could seriously affect the city's water treatment plants.

“It’s highly likely the rain the city experiences over the next few days will stir up sediment in local streams. This extra sediment makes treating the water a lot harder, and it’s probable we’ll need to shut down our treatment plants for a time,” he says

In the event of a shutdown Tauranga reservoirs hold enough drinkable water to last 24-48 hours.

“We appreciate your ongoing support in conserving water while we weather this storm together,” says Peter.

 

Kerbside collections

Kerbside collections are still on track today except for glass collections between Girven and Golf Roads (excluding Oceanbeach Road). Glass will not be collected in this area today. Affected residents are asked to bring their glass crate in for the night and put it out again tomorrow morning by 7am.

Tuesday collections are still scheduled to go ahead in Pāpāmoa. We advise Pāpāmoa residents to wait until tomorrow morning (before 7am) before putting their bins out. Bins put out tonight risk being blown over.

Thanks for your understanding and stay safe out there.

Cyclone Gabrielle update

  • Fergusson Park, Kulim Park, Beach Road Reserve, Omanu Beach carpark, Papampa Domain, Taylor Reserve Carpark and Harrisons Cut Beach Accessway are closed. This includes freedom camping areas in those parks.
  • People must avoid walkways due to falling branches in these areas and take care when moving under any trees. Te Ara Tūtanga (Mauao base track) and Moturiki (Leisure Island) remain closed due to high swells. As at 1.45pm, there are still a large number of people accessing the Mauao base track and Moturiki, for various reasons, including to view the larger than normal waves that are forming. Please stay away from this area for the duration of the storm and until the tracks are reopened.
  • For residents who live in low-lying areas prone to flooding, including the coast and harbourside, there is a risk of storm surge flooding and erosion, so we advise taking steps to protect family and your home. For advice and information, check The Get Ready website.
  • If residents have a basement garage or basement carpark in an apartment building that has flooded in the past, it is possible this may happen again. Please move vehicles and other items out of basements and move them to higher ground. 
  • For anyone who feels unsafe, it is recommended to stay with family and friends if possible, in the first instance. If any evacuation of people is required, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence will issue instructions and emergency shelters will be activated if required.
  • It is strongly recommended that each person has a grab bag ready with enough supplies for a few days in case we experience any power outages and disruption to our roading and water networks. This includes having enough supplies to care for pets. More information about how to get ready can be found on our website.
  • If people haven’t already, cyclones bring high winds and items like trampolines should be tied down with outdoor furniture (including barbecues) secured. Also make sure drains are clear.
  • Our pound will be closed to the public today, but rest assured our team are taking care of the animals housed there.
  • Due to rising swells and forecast high winds from Cyclone Gabrielle, we have closed all tracks on Mauao and Moturiki (Leisure Island), to ensure public safety.
  • Cyclones bring high winds so prepare to tie down your trampolines and secure outdoor furniture (including barbecues), as well as checking your gutters and clearing your drains.

The Emergency Operations Centre continues to monitor the situation and is ready to respond to any issues as they arise.

Follow Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and MetService New Zealand for the latest weather and emergency updates, and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Waikato BoP for road closures and slips and Tauranga City Council for local information and updates.

Other important places to get information:
Stay connected:
  • Listen to your local radio station
  • Shout-out to your neighbours on your local Facebook community noticeboard if you need any help
  • If you need to report an issue, call our contact centre 24/7 on 07 577 7000.
  • If life is in danger, call 111 immediately.
Mauao and Moturiki (Leisure Island) to close over next few days due to high swells

Due to rising swells and forecast high winds from Cyclone Gabrielle, we have closed Te Ara Tūtanga (Mauao base track) and Moturiki (Leisure Island) today, Sunday, 12 February, to ensure public safety.

All tracks on Mauao will be closed from 8am, Monday 13 February.

The closure is expected to be in place until at least Tuesday, 14 February when we will reassess the situation.

Signage and barriers will be in place at all closure points. We ask that the public respect the signs and barriers that are in place, as these are there for their own safety.

Tauranga City Council activates Emergency Operations Centre ahead of Cyclone Gabrielle

Due to heavy rain and strong wind warnings for the Bay of Plenty from 9am Monday, 13 February to 3pm, Tuesday, 14 February because of Cyclone Gabrielle, Tauranga City Council has stood up its Emergency Operations Centre and is actively monitoring the situation.

Our staff and contractors are keeping a watchful eye on the situation and are ready to respond to any issues.

If you live in low-lying areas prone to flooding, including the coast and harbourside, please take steps to protect yourself and your property as there is a risk of storm surge flooding and erosion.

Be prepared to self-evacuate to family and friends if needed in the first instance. If any evacuation of people is required, please follow all instructions from Bay of Plenty Civil Defence. Emergency shelters will be activated if required, and details will be provided.

Links Avenue, Mount Maunganui will be open to all traffic on Monday and Tuesday to assist with traffic flow around the Mount Maunganui area.

Kerbside collections scheduled for Monday will go ahead as usual. Please don’t put out your bins until Monday morning and bring them in as soon as you can. Please assist your neighbours by bringing in their bins too if you can. This situation will be reviewed again for Tuesday collections.

Our supply of sandbags has been exhausted and we do not have any available tonight. We will have an update on sandbags in the morning. Information on where you can purchase sandbags is available on our website www.tauranga.govt.nz/community/civil-defence/sandbags.

Cyclones bring high winds so prepare to tie down your trampolines and secure outdoor furniture (including barbecues), as well as checking your gutters and clearing your drains.

Other tips include having a grab bag ready and having enough supplies for tide you over for a few days if we experience any power outages and disruption to our roading and water networks. This includes having enough supplies to care for your pets. More information about how to get ready can be found on our website.

If you think any of your whānau, friends or neighbours might need help with some this, please get in touch and offer a helping hand.

Te Ara Tūtanga (Mauao base track) and Moturiki (Leisure Island) to close over next few days due to high swells

Due to rising swells and forecast high winds from Cyclone Gabrielle, we have closed Te Ara Tūtanga (Mauao base track) and Moturiki (Leisure Island) today, Sunday, 12 February, to ensure public safety.

The closure is expected to be in place until at least Tuesday, 14 February when we will reassess the situation.

Tracks to the summit of Mauao remain open but may be reassessed tomorrow.

Signage and barriers will be in place at all closure points. We ask that the public respect the signs and barriers that are in place, as these are there for their own safety.

To stay updated

Follow Bay of Plenty Civil Defence and MetService New Zealand for the latest weather and emergency updates

For updates on State Highways go to Waka Kotahi

For updates on local roads go to the Tauranga City Council website and Western Bay of Plenty District Council

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