Community Emergency Hubs to open across Western Bay of Plenty

Community Emergency Hubs will open across the Western Bay of Plenty District from 8am Sunday for the day, as part of preparations for Cyclone Vaianu.

The hubs will provide safe places for people to shelter and ride out the storm during the day if they feel unsafe at home due to flooding, slips, power outages or other weather‑related impacts associated with the cyclone.

The following locations will be open:

• Waihī Beach RSA, 99 Beach Road
• Katikati Baptist Church, 2 Wedgewood Street
• Pukehina Community Hall, 16 Pukehina Parade
• Te Puke War Memorial Hall, 130 Jellicoe Street
• Ōmokoroa Pavillion, 28 Western Avenue
• The MGC in Maketū, Arawa Ave

These hubs are intended for people who may need to leave their homes temporarily or who feel unsafe due to flooding, slips, or other weather-related impacts.

These hubs are not set up to accommodate people overnight. If you require temporary accommodation, please phone Council on 0800 926 732 to discuss options.

People are encouraged to stay with friends or whānau first where possible.

If you are heading to a hub, please bring:

• Food and water
• Medication
• Warm clothing
• Any essential personal items

The following marae are also open to support the community if required:

• Tuapiro Marae, Hikurangi Road, Katikati (open from 4pm on Saturday)
• Paparoa Marae, Borell Road, Te Puna (will open if needed)
• Whetu Marae, Welcome Bay Road (will open if needed)
• Makahae Marae, Te Kaika Road West, Te Puke (will open if needed)
• Pukehina Marae, 2655 State Highway 2, Pukehina (will open if needed)

If you are staying at a marae, please bring important medication, and your own blanket.

People are encouraged to act early if they have concerns about their safety, particularly in areas prone to flooding or slips.

Council is working closely with emergency management partners and local communities to ensure support is available where it’s needed.

Any issues such as slips, downed trees and power lines, flooding or blocked drains can be reported to Council on 0800 926 732 or via the Antenno app.

For updates and information, visit Council’s Cyclone Vaianu Weather Event Hub or follow Council’s Facebook page and Antenno for updates.