Evacuations Ōpōtiki District

Ōpōtiki District Council has issued mandatory evacuations for coastal and low-lying areas from Ōhiwa Harbour to Whangaparaoa.

Ōpōtiki District Council has issued a mandatory evacuation for coastal and low-lying areas, including Ōhiwa Harbour Road and spit, Ōhiwa Loop Road, Ruatuna Road, Bryans Beach, Kutarere, Tirohanga, Opape, Houpoto, Awanui, Omaio, Te Rangiharu Bay and Whangaparaoa. 

Residents have been told to evacuate immediately, and not to return until Monday 9am.

"This will be reassessed and updated as required."

Evacuation centres have been set up at:

• Woodlands Hall

• Terere Marae 

• Waiaua Marae 

• Waioweka Marae

• Te Kura o Tōrere 

• Maraenui Kohanga Reo 

• Waiorore Marae

• Te Kaha Marae

• Te Kura o Te Whānau a Apanui

• Maungaroa Marae

• Tawaroa Civil Defence Hub

• Waihau Bay Fire Station

• Kauaetangohia Marae

• Te Kura o Whangaparaoa 

• Potaka Marae 

A state of Local Emergency was declared earlier in the day.

Ōpōtiki Mayor David Moore told 1xx this was to give the district time to prepare.  

He said some low-lying areas in the district could be impacted by the higher-than-normal storm surge levels. 

"So it's really for the safety of those people in low-lying areas that are a bit vulnerable to storm surges."

"And we have got over 150km of coastline to cover, so it's getting to all of those people as quickly as we can, and getting people to move."

He said the township itself is looking good so far, and rivers are not meant to rise until after the rain, but some mandatory evacuations are in place for other areas.  

"There are isolated pockets along our coast, pretty much the same areas that were affected by Cyclone Gabriel, so these people will be aware of the risk." 

"The team are out there doing what they can to get to everyone before it gets dark."

He also encourages anyone who may feel unsafe to self-evacuate before dark. 

People will need to ensure they have plenty of water, food, batteries, and some dry clothing. 

He reminds people to check on their animals and tie loose objects down. 

"Don't travel unless you have to. Self-evacuate even if you don't have to if you feel that way inclined."

"Just be safe and be prepared."