11/04/2026
Hi Bay of Plenty – this is a longer post, but it contains important information ahead of the severe weather forecast for this weekend. It’s understandable that some people may be feeling unsettled, so we’re sharing what you need to know to help you prepare and where to find official, trusted updates.
Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rain and large swells to the Bay of Plenty. This storm has the potential to be a significant and damaging weather event. With more rain expected on already saturated ground, impacts such as fallen trees, landslides, surface flooding, and dangerous river, sea and coastal conditions are likely.
What you can do now to prepare:
🔸 Bring inside or secure anything that could be blown around in strong winds. Turn trampolines upside down and tie them down firmly.
🔸 Clear leaves and debris from gutters and drains, if it is safe to do so.
🔸 If you live in an exposed area, don’t feel safe at home, or are worried, consider relocating early to stay with family or friends in a safer place. Leaving early is safer than travelling during severe conditions. Take pets and essential medication with you.
🔸 Check on neighbours, especially anyone elderly, isolated, or without communications.
🔸 Prepare a grab bag and emergency supplies.
🔸 Have torches ready and a battery or solar powered radio so you can receive updates if power is lost.
📰 Where to get trusted information:
Your local councils (who are also part of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group) are the first port of call for local information (like roading impacts, sand bag information).
Tauranga City Council
Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Rotorua Lakes Council
Te Kaunihera ā-rohe o Whakatāne - Whakatāne District Council
Te Kaunihera ā rohe o Kawerau - Kawerau District Council
Ōpōtiki District Council
For weather warnings and forecasts, visit MetService - www.metservice.com
Check NZTA https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner or NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Waikato & Bay of Plenty for the latest on BOP state highway conditions
📻 Emergency radio stations
If there is a civil defence emergency, listen to your radio (battery, solar, or car radio if the power is out).
These stations will broadcast official information:
🔹Tauranga & Western Bay
National Radio 101.0 FM & 819 AM
Newstalk ZB 90.2FM & 1008 AM
The Hits 95 FM
Breeze 95.8 FM
More FM 93.4 FM
🔹Rotorua
National AM 1188
National FM 101.5
Concert 90.3
Newstalk ZB 747 AM
The Hits 97.5 FM & 90.9 FM
More FM 95.9 FM
🔹Te Puke
1XX 89.0 FM & 1242 AM
🔹Whakatāne
National Radio 101.7 FM
1XX 90.5 FM
SunFM 106.5
TumekeFM 96.9
🔹Edgecumbe, Ōpōtiki & Kawerau
1XX 90.5 FM
SunFM 106.5
TumekeFM 96.9
🔹Ōhope Beach
1XX 92.9 FM
SunFM 106.5
TumekeFM 96.9
🔹Te Teko, Tāneatua
SunFM 106.5
TumekeFM 96.9
We'll be here monitoring and responding to the severe weather and will keep you up-to-date with any changes.
Take care everyone, and stay safe ❤️
