A 24-hour Orange Heavy Rain Warning issued by MetService remains in place for the Wairoa District until at least 10am tomorrow (Thursday).

The warning applies to Gisborne south, including Wairoa, with 100–150mm of rain forecast over the period. Peak rainfall rates of 10–20mm per hour are possible.

What this means for Wairoa

With the expected rainfall, there is potential for conditions to deteriorate quickly. Impacts may include rapidly rising streams and rivers, surface flooding, flooding and slips, and the possible isolation of some communities. Travel disruption is likely, with some roads potentially becoming impassable.

Council contractors have already carried out stormwater and wastewater pre-checks, and monitoring is continuing. Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads if possible. If travel is necessary, please drive to the conditions and allow extra time.

A coastal surge and wave warning is also in place for exposed areas from Mahanga to Cape Runaway, which may further affect coastal locations.

There is also the possibility of power and communications outages should conditions worsen.

Rivers and waterways

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has advised that all river mouths around the district are currently flowing well. Work is continuing at the Wairoa River mouth, where efforts are underway to relocate the river mouth by opening the bund on the lowered crest of the Wairoa River bar.

Residents living near waterways or in known flood-prone areas are urged to closely monitor conditions and be ready to act. If you feel unsafe, self-evacuate early.

Be prepared

Wairoa District Council is working closely with partner agencies and local communities to be as prepared as possible and will continue to monitor the weather situation closely.

Please make sure you and your whānau are prepared by:

• Checking your emergency plans

• Charging mobile phones and devices

• Having essential supplies ready at home

• Staying informed through official updates

We are aware that other parts of the country are experiencing severe weather, including Red Heavy Rain Warnings and local States of Emergency. Our thoughts are with all communities being impacted.

If you have any safety concerns or need assistance, please contact Wairoa District Council on 06 838 7309.

Please stay safe, whānau, and be prepared for conditions to change rapidly overnight.

22 January 2026

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