A STATE OF EMERGENCY HAS BEEN DECLARED FOR THE WAIKATO REGION (Update 11 April 2026) - EXPECT HEAVY RAIN AND EXTREMELY STRONG WINDS THIS WEEKEND. DO NOT DRIVE, WALK OR SWIM IN FLOODWATERS. Waikato Civil Defence advise that a State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato region at 9.32am on Saturday 11 April for a period of seven days, due to Cyclone Vaianu. This is due to the likelihood of significant impacts across the area, including damaging winds, flooding, and disruption to power and transport networks.

** IMPORTANT ** Stay in touch with the latest weather updates at www.metservice.com/warnings because information will be regularly updated as the cyclone progresses. For roading updates, go to www.otodc.govt.nz/roading-update and for information on landslides, go to www.civildefence.govt.nz/landslide.

Safety and wellbeing is always at the top of our mind and our local Civil Defence team is working with Waikato Civil Defence. For information on what to do before, during and after storms and floods, go to www.getready.govt.nz. In advance, secure outdoor items, clear drains, and prepare for possible power outages and travel disruption.

MetService update: 11 April 8.50pm: There is a Strong Wind Warning (Orange) for Waikato for 21 hours from 2am - 11pm Sun, 12 April. Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale westerly late afternoon or evening Sunday, gusting 120km/h in exposed places. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning. There is a Heavy Rain Watch for Waikato for 17 hours from 1am - 6pm Sun, 12 April. Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning. * Disclaimer: see the latest information on MetService.com.

Heavy rain and strong winds may cause flash flooding and rapidly rising water, landslides and falling trees, dangerous driving conditions and road closures, power outages. Ōtorohanga and Kāwhia Transfer Stations (Refuse and Recycling) will be closed on Sunday. Parks and reserves will be closed from 6pm Saturday till 8am Monday.

FOR INFORMATION TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE AND A LINK TO ROADING UPDATES: visit: Cyclone Vaianu

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Candidate info evenings - Kāwhia and Ōtorohanga

Now’s your chance to step up and represent your community.
Ōtorohanga District needs people who care, people with local knowledge, fresh ideas, and a passion for making a difference. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sit at the Council table, join us for one of our upcoming candidate info evenings.

Thinking about running in the 2025 local elections? Now’s your chance to step up and represent your community.

Ōtorohanga District needs people who care, people with local knowledge, fresh ideas, and a passion for making a difference. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sit at the Council table, join us for one of our upcoming candidate info evenings.

You’ll hear from our Chief Executive Tanya Winter, meet the Elections team, and get the facts on what’s involved in standing for Council. No pressure, just honest kōrero and practical insights.

Kāwhia – 7 July, 6:00pm, Kāwhia Community Centre

Ōtorohanga – 8 July, 6:00pm, Council Chambers

Come along. Ask questions. Find out if this could be your time.

Nominations will open on Friday, 4 July 2025 and close at 12 noon Friday, August 1 2025.

You can find out more here - https://www.otodc.govt.nz/about-council/elections/candidates

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