Wairoa's Civil Defence team has extended a thank you to the Wairoa community for their support during the orange heavy rain warning. All weather warnings relating to Wairoa have now been lifted.

Civil Defence Controller Juanita Savage said Wairoa District Council's approach was to closely monitor the weather and river levels, while remaining as prepared as possible.

"Because of the early messaging we received from MetService and our flood forecaster, we were able to stand up a Civil Defence Incident Management Team to gather intel and ensure emergency responses were in place if needed," Mrs Savage said.

"Wairoa was well supported by emergency services, particularly Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) surge staff, along with other agency partners.

"We know our district is vulnerable to being isolated, which is why we collaborated for early deployment with key support agencies, and we appreciate their rapid response in being here to support our communities."

Mrs Savage said the weather and river levels were monitored throughout the night, and while there were road closures and surface flooding, particularly in the Opoutama and Mahia areas, there have been no significant reported issues.

"There has been considerable upper catchment rainfall, and while modelling is not demonstrating any areas of concern, we will continue to monitor river levels and will provide further updates if anything changes.

"The Wairoa River mouth and channel are open and flowing well, and other river mouths throughout the district are also open and flowing.

"Thank you to the Hawke's Bay Regional Council staff on the ground and local contractors for your mahi.

"People are reminded to please be careful, there is surface water about, and some roads have been impacted.

"Thank you to our Council staff, additional team members and volunteers for your support.

"Thank you also to the community for staying safe, looking after yourselves and supporting each other.

"A key factor in being prepared was the information people in the community shared with us, which enabled quick, effective responses to be put in place.

"The connections that are being formed are vital, and by all working together, we are able to become stronger."

22 January 2026

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