A State of Local Emergency has been declared for the entire region as of 12:42pm on Wednesday 21 January 2026 following adverse weather and a MetService Red Heavy Rain Warning.

Friday, 23 January 2026 | 06:39 am

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State of Local Emergency declared

At 12:42pm on Wednesday 21 January, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management (BOPCDEM) received support of the local Mayors to declare a state of local emergency.  

This was a precautionary approach to ensure Controllers and others with extraordinary powers can respond quickly and efficiently, to deliver actions that will help keep people safe during a response. This includes closing roads or public places, undertaking works, removing or securing dangerous structures and material, and providing first aid, food or shelter. 

You can still go about your daily business under a state of local emergency, but make sure you listen to and follow any instructions from civil defence and emergency services. 

We are sharing information across the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence channels (Facebook and website).  

Please refer to these channels for updates in the first instance. We also recommend checking the Facebook page and / or website of your local council, and NZTA.   

More information about this event can be found below.

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January Weather Event Information and Resources

Key information

  • Overnight on Wednesday 21 January/Thursday 22 January, more than two months of rain fell within 12 hours overnight in the Bay of Plenty.
  • The event has caused significant traffic and power disruptions in the region.
  • The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management GECC has been activated.
  • At 12:42pm on Wednesday 21 January, Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Emergency Management (BOPCDEM) received support of the local Mayors to declare a state of local emergency in response.
  • While the rain has passed, across the region ground conditions remain saturated and are still very unstable in some areas. Slips are still possible.

Keeping yourself safe

Landslides

  • Landslides can happen without warning and are often triggered by heavy rain, so stay alert and look out for the warning signs. You'll need to act quickly if you see them:
  • Small slips, rock falls, and sinking land, at the bottom of slopes.
  • Sticking doors and window frames, which may mean the land is slowly moving under the building.
  • Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly.
  • Steps, decks, and verandas, moving or tilting away from the rest of the building.
  • New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces.
  • Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences.
  • Get out of the path of the landslide quickly. Evacuate if the building you are in is in danger.

Flood water advice

  • Due to wastewater overflows around the region, it’s important people stay out of the water.
  • Do not try to walk, play, swim or drive in floodwater – even water just 15cm deep can often sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. It is also likely to be contaminated with farm run-off, animal and human sewage and chemicals. 
  • Always assume that floodwater is contaminated with farm run-off, animal and human sewage and chemicals. Heavy rain can wash contaminants from urban and rural land into waterways, and it takes time for these contaminants to flush through. For this reason, avoid entering water for 2-3 days, even at sites that usually have good water quality. 
  • Stay away from damaged or hazardous areas so that any rescue and emergency operations can continue. By doing so, you’ll also avoid further risk to yourself from the residual effects of floods, such as contaminated water, damaged roads, landslides, mudflows, and other hazards. 
  • Keep pets and other animals away from flood water. It may be contaminated with biological waste and chemicals.
  • Do not eat garden produce if the soil has been flooded. Clean up and remove debris and sprinkle gardens with lime.
  • Do not collect or eat kaimoana such as shellfish, ungutted fish, puha and watercress from waterways after a flood. There is an increased risk of contamination from stormwater and sewage.
Keep up to date

Council websites

For local information please visit your local council website.

Roading updates

You can find updates about local roads on your local council website at the links above. 
For State Highway information, visit the NZ Transport Agency website.

Other useful information

Insurance Recovery Guidance

The following guidance has been provided by the Insurance Council of New Zealand if you have been impacted by the recent weather event and are looking to make a claim.

 

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