HELPFUL INFO

Leading up to this, Severe Weather Warnings and Watches have also been issued by MetService New Zealand across the North Island and will be updated for the areas expecting severe gales and heavy rain from Saturday evening 11 April to Monday 13 April.

Stay up to date with the latest weather information from MetService New Zealand

Civil Defence Waikato recommend preparing in advance:

• Clear gutters and drains
• Bring in or secure loose outdoor items (e.g. garden furniture, trampolines)
• Check on whānau, neighbours, and anyone who might need help
• Move farm animals to areas that are safe from flooding and high winds, and stay up to date with support from Waikato Rural Support Trust

Storm and flood advice 

• Government's GetReady website
• What to do before, during and after storms and floods

Information

Facebook

• Ōtorohanga District Council Facebook page
• Civil Defence Waikato Facebook page
• NZ Civil Defence Facebook page 

Weather

• MetService - Te Ratonga Tirorangi
• About MetService Severe Weather Warnings and Watches

Radio

• Radio New Zealand
• Newstalk ZB

Roads

• District roads: Roading updates including road closures
• State Highways:
  • NZTA Waka Kotahi highway conditions
  • NZTA Waka Kotahi online journey planner 

Power

Advice from The Lines Company

• Avoid downed power lines – call The Lines Company immediately.
  Their faults team are on standby and ready to respond to any issues as quickly and safely as possible.
• You can contact them on 0800 367 328.

Help services

The following services are available if you or someone you know needs help:

• Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
  • Financial assistance, welfare support, accommodation help.
  • Call 0800 559 009 or visit your local MSD office.
• Rural Support Trust
  • Confidential support for farmers, growers, and rural whānau dealing with stress, damage or loss.
  • Call 0800 787 254
  • Visit: www.rural-support.org.nz
• Here to Help U
  • One stop support for food parcels, financial hardship, mental health, social services and more.
  • Visit www.heretohelpu.nz
  • Call 0800 568 273 and leave a call back request
• Mental health and wellbeing services
  • Emergency support:
    • Immediate danger: If someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, please call 111.
    • Crisis Team: If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please contact your local Health New Zealand Crisis team. For Waikato, phone 0800 505 050.

• • Mental wellbeing: This Government webpage has free tools, resources and information to help you look after your emotional wellbeing in an emergency. Visit www.getready.govt.nz/emergency/mental-wellbeing
  • Healthline: A free service providing health advice, support and information. Call 0800 611 116 or request a callback on their website at www.healthy.org.nz
  • Need to talk? Call or text 1737 to speak to a trained counsellor. There are things you can do and support available to help you feel better if you feel stressed or anxious during or after an emergency.
  • For contact details for more helplines, visit https://mentalhealth.org.nz/helplines
    • The helplines include Youthline, Samaritans, Depression helpline, Anxiety NZ, Lifeline, Suicide Crisis Helpline and international helplines.