14 April, 4:10 pm

Whakatāne District cyclone recovery progress

Whakatāne District Council Civil Defence teams are continuing to make progress in getting people back into their homes. Power outages in some areas will continue to impact on water and wastewater services throughout the district until Horizons is able to restore electricity networks.

All coastal evacuation areas from Matatā to Ōhope were re-opened this morning and residents from 216 properties in the south-western area of Edgecumbe were able to go home this afternoon, most to stay.  Updates on the re-opening of the remaining cordoned areas (Zone 4) will be provided this evening.

Power

Power outages are still placing pressure on water and wastewater systems throughout the district and all residents, including those in areas with restored power, are asked to conserve water and avoid flushing their toilets as much as possible until advised otherwise. 

Water

The District-wide notices to conserve water and minimise use of wastewater facilities are likely to be in place for several more days. Horizons Networks are working hard to repair power lines damaged by wind and tree-fall as quickly as possible but it will take some time, and this is affecting the water and wastewater systems.

Boil water notices remain in place throughout the district. The notice applies to residents of Tāneatua, Te Mahoe, Rūātoki, Rangitaiki Plains (including Te Teko/Mapou, Edgecumbe, Awakeri, Braemar, Onepu, Otakiri and Thornton). Residents should bring water to a rapid boil for at least one minute to make it safe to drink. A tanker of potable drinking water is on its way to Tāneatua for residents to fill their own bottles from. It will be stationed at Jack Knowles Park in Tāneatua by 5.30pm this evening. 

Medical Officer of Health Dr Phil Shoemack is reminding people about the importance of maintaining excellent personal hygiene during this difficult time.

“The relevant practical measures include attention to frequent hand washing, safe disposal of waste and following the advice contained in any boil water notice,” Dr Shoemack said.

Edgecumbe

Edgecumbe residents have been provided with information packs as they return.  An information and welfare centre has been established at Edgecumbe Hall for residents to drop in and discuss any further needs or questions they have with relevant civil defence and support services staff. Portaloos are also onsite at the hall.

Edgecumbe residents are also being asked to temporarily cease all use of wastewater. Portaloos have been erected in Zone 3 for residents’ use. A generator is on its way to the area to help the sewerage situation and bottled drinking water is available at Edgecumbe Hall. Drinking water is currently available from a tap at the Fonterra plant and Fonterra are sending two tankers of drinking water to Edgecumbe, as an interim measure while power outages prevent residents from being able to boil their water. The tankers are expected to arrive by 4.30pm today and will be stationed at Kauri St, by the Edgecumbe Hall, Hydro Road. Residents should bring their own containers to fill. 

Trees

Whakatāne District Council is asking that residents do not remove trees from public areas themselves. They are responding to reports throughout the region and encourage residents to report windfalls that need attention to Whakatāne District Council on 0800 306 0500.

14 April, 2:15 pm

We are getting multiple calls related to power outages. The Council doesn't handle your electricity services - that's Horizon Energy. If you must call someone about your power outage or report downed power lines, please call 0800 HORIZON.

14 April, 2:05 pm

Edgecumbe residents must minimise use of water as much as possible, as water outages are expected in this area within the next hour. Edgecumbe residents are also asked to temporarily cease all use of wastewater. Portaloos have been erected in Zone 3 for residents’ use. A generator is on its way to the area to help mitigate the sewerage situation.

Due to the strain brought upon our systems in the wake of the recent cyclone, the District-wide notices to conserve water and minimise use of wastewater facilities are likely to be in place until tomorrow (15 April).

14 April, 1:30 pm

If travelling to access Edgecumbe today (Zone 3, south of Tawa Street), use the southern entrance at Te Teko Road if possible. The eastern Awakeri Road entrance is currently experiencing very high traffic volumes and delays, so heading in via the south Te Teko Road entrance may be faster for you.

14 April, 12:20 pm

The Whakatāne Refuse Transfer Station is closed today but will be opened tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 am to 4 pm. Anyone dropping off greenwaste that was produced by storm damage may do so free of charge.

For anyone whose rubbish was due for collection yesterday (Thursday) but was not picked up because of the weather, you can either drop this off at the transfer station tomorrow free of charge or wait for it to be collected on your normal collection day next week.

Normal rubbish collection will take place in Edgecumbe tomorrow on accessible streets.

14 April, 10:50 am

Edgecumbe wastewater — cease use immediately

Edgecumbe residents must immediately cease all use of wastewater systems until further notice due to system overflows. 

We will advise when this has been lifted.

Power restoration ongoing

Horizon Energy has restored electrical power to Whakatāne. 

According to Horizon, "Supplies have been restored to areas surrounding the Whakatane township including Coastlands. Supplies have also been restored to Murupara, most of Galatea, Ruatahuna and Minginui."

Horizon will be working to restore power to other areas progressively throughout the day.

14 April, 10:10 am

Most residents in the south-west area of Edgecumbe able to go home today

Residents from 216 properties in the south-western area of Edgecumbe will be able to go home this afternoon, most to stay.

People living on Tawa Street, Kauri Street, Kowhai Avenue, Kanuka Place, Main Street, Totara Street, Ngaio Place, Matai Street and Rimu Street can go to either of the check-in points – at the northern and southern ends of Main Street – from midday today, where their details will be quickly checked before they access their homes. Return home information packs with clean-up and other useful advice will also be provided.

174 of the homes in this area have not suffered flood damage and the residents involved will be able to reoccupy their homes permanently.

42 homes have suffered significant internal flood damage. People living in those homes will have temporary access today to pick up essential items and assess damage. They will then be asked go to the Edgecumbe Hall to make contact with support people who can help them with information and advice on the process of having their homes repaired.

14 April, 9:35 am

Due to the ongoing power outage, residents throughout the District must immediately conserve water and minimise usage of sewerage as much as possible. Do not use showers, wash dishes, or flush toilets until further notice.

Horizon hopes to have electrical power restored later today, but in the meantime residents must take measures to reduce the load on our sewerage network so we can avoid overflows.

14 April, 8:35 am

Update from Horizon Energy on electrical power

The following media release comes from Horizon Networks.

Horizon Networks wishes to advise customers that cyclone Cook has caused significant damage to power infrastructure supplying the Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki districts. The following areas are without power: 

• All areas east of Ohiwa Harbour including Waimana, Waiotahi, Opotiki, Te Kaha and Cape Runaway.
• Ohope, Coastlands, Whakatane, Otakiri, Taneatua, Ruatoki, part of Tauranga Rd east of Matata,
• Matata, Thornton, Manawahe and Herepuru Rd. 
• Galatea, Murupara, Minginui and Ruatahuna.

Our first priority along with Transpower is to restore sub-transmission to the District, helicopters are deployed and assessing the infrastructure as well as ground crews. Once the sub-transmission is restored we will progressively restore the 11kV network. We will continue to provide information on restoration through-out the day.

Please be aware we have had multiple reports of lines down around the district, please stay well clear of any low hanging lines and those on the ground.

Horizon Energy apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and advises all customers to contact their retailers in the first instance and to treat all lines as alive at all times. 

14 April, 7:30 am

Wainui Road has multiple fallen trees on it. We're working on clearing these. The road is passable, but hazardous. Expect delays.

NZTA reports the following road statuses:

• SH30 Rotorua to Awakeri is open
• SH30 Awakeri to Whakatāne is closed - expected to reopen midday
• SH2 Whakatāne to Tauranga is closed - expected to reopen midday
• SH2 at the Waiōtahe Bluffs is open to one lane - expected to be fully open midday

14 April, 6:30 am

Conserve water and Don’t Flush notices apply to all areas where power is out.

Coastal inundation damage has been light. No houses have been impacted. People evacuated from the Pohutukawa Avenue and Harbour Road areas can return to their homes, but they should be aware that their water supply has been impacted. Conserve water and don’t flush notices apply.

• Escarpment stability has been checked, so people evacuated from West End can return home. Please conserve water and do not flush toilets or put anything into the wastewater system
• The evacuation advisories for the Awatarariki area and campgrounds from Matatā west have also been lifted.
• Power outages have affected much of the District. Our water and wastewater systems have been seriously affected. We’re putting generators at key pump stations, but capacity is low.
• Te Teko has no water. By 7:30 there will be a water tanker available at the corner of Tahuna Road and SH30.
• Parts of Ōhope and the Hillcrest and Mokorua areas in Whakatāne have no water supply available.
• Boil water notices still apply to the Rangitaiki Plains, Rūātoki, Te Mahoe and Taneatua.
• Power is out in: Whakatāne, Ōhope, Coastlands, Otakiri, Tāneatua, Rūātoki, Waimana, Matatā, Thornton, Galatea, Murupara, Minginui, Ruatāhuna, Waiōtahe and Ōpōtiki through to Cape Runaway.
• No information at this stage on when power will be restored.
• Multiple road closures due to slips and fallen trees, including SH2 at the Matatā straights. These issues will be dealt with progressively.
• Rainfall was unexpectedly light – no problems with stormwater systems and river flows.

13 April, 9:50 pm

The route between Whakatāne and Ōhope has been cleared and is passable once again.

13 April, 9:15 pm

Extreme water conservation measures needed in Ōhope

We are aware that there are water outages in the Otarawairere area due to a fallen tree damaging the system. This outage may affect Ohope, and we are asking Ohope residents to immediately implement extreme water conservation measures to avoid a total water outage.

Severe weather warning cancelled

MetService has cancelled the severe rain and severe weather warnings for the Bay of Plenty.

13 April, 8:40 pm

Horizon Energy does not expect power to be restored tonight. No definitive time tomorrow available at this stage, either.

13 April, 8:35 pm

We’re aware that people have concerns about inundation/flood risks due to the approaching high tide combined with storm surges. We have confirmed with flood managers that there is a low risk of inundation/flooding in the Muriwai Drive area of Whakatāne.

However, we still recommend that people stay clear of these areas due to other risks brought on by the poor weather, particularly fallen trees and downed power lines.

13 April, 7:55 pm

The road between Whakatāne and Ōhope is currently blocked by trees and impassible. No ETA on when this will be cleared.

Due to the power outage, residents throughout the District are immediately asked to conserve water and minimise usage of sewerage as much as possible - limit showers, dish washing, and use toilets as little as is practicable.

13 April, 7:35 pm

Horizon Energy reports multiple power outages all over the region. It is unsafe for Horizon staff to effect repairs at this stage. There is no current estimate of when repairs will be completed, but they will advise when they know.

13 April, 7:25 pm

Unless it's an absolute emergency, stay off the roads - particularly in coastal areas. There are trees and power lines down in multiple locations throughout the District.

NZTA is reporting the following road closures:

• State Highway 34 is closed at Otakiri between Edgecumbe and Te Teko because of fallen power lines.
• State Highway 30 between Thornton Rd and Awakeri is closed because of fallen power lines.
• State Highway 2 near Pikowai camping ground on the Matata straight is closed because of fallen tree and powerlines. It will remain closed tonight. If people are evacuating and they are east of Pikowai they can use State Highway 2, 34 and 30. If they are west of Pikowai they need to head towards Te Puke.

Extra pumps and generators are on hand to deal with any issues experienced in Whakatāne’s stormwater systems tonight. Heavy rain could cause surface flooding in low-lying areas, so people should be wary and stay off the roads until the weather system passes.

Council roading teams have earthmoving equipment in strategic locations around the district ready to deal with any slips affecting road access. Current weather conditions (the wind, in other words) make it unsafe for our contractors to clear trees and slips at the moment, but the aim will be to have key roads open as quickly as possible.

13 April, 6:30 pm

Multiple reports of trees down around the district. We won’t be able to deal with these until conditions ease. Don’t venture out to check on the situation – stay inside and stay safe.

13 April, 6:05 pm

Whakatāne Civil Defence are taking a precautionary approach with the evacuation of low-lying coastal areas in the Whakatāne District, given the 5-metre swells and heavy storm surges expected to strike from 6 pm onwards.

The main impact is expected to coincide with high tide at around 9 pm, which will aggravate the situation. We’ll be monitoring actual conditions as closely as possible and will have teams on the ground from first light to assess damage. Updated information on the situation will be provided as soon as possible after that.

A decision on when it is safe to reoccupy evacuated areas will be made by 9 am. Information will be relayed via local media and the Council’s website and Facebook page.

13 April, 4:35 pm

SH 2 closed

State Highway 2 has been closed by a slip near Herepuru Road, west of Matatā. Maintenance crews are currently working to clear the road, but delays can be expected.

Possible further evacuations

Whakatāne Civil Defence are asking Whakatāne residents in the Wairaka/Muriwai Drive area to be prepared for a possible evacuation, should storm surge conditions require it. Further updates will be issued as required.

13 April, 4:10 pm

Due to the large number of pets that have been taken into care because of the evacuations, we ask that anyone in the Whakatāne District who feels able to take in a pet for short- to medium-term care contact us at 0800 306 0500.

However, we also ask that anyone evacuating pets should attempt to house them with family or friends first if at all possible. Pets should be taken to evacuation centres only as a last resort.

13 April, 3:35 pm

No evacuation order for Edgecumbe

Residents of the Edgecumbe area are advised that the storm surges and coastal inundation which have triggered evacuation in Ōhope and Matatā Coastal areas do not require evacuation of Edgecumbe and other inland areas.

Residents are advised to observe all usual caution around waterways and prepare for increasingly strong winds, but no evacuation of Edgecumbe at this time.

13 April, 2:20 pm

Evacuation ordered for vulnerable coastal areas

Due to the extreme risk of storm surges and coastal inundation, the decision has been made to evacuate all properties on Ōhope's West End Road (mandatory evacuation), and all beachfront properties on the seaward side of Pohutukawa Avenue, through to Te Akau Street. Properties adjacent to the Maraetōtara Stream, Millers Stream and Wharekura Stream may also be vulnerable to storm surge travelling up the stream.

People are advised to self-evacuate to friends or family in the first instance, or to go to the Civil Defence Centre at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall. People should take pets with them, and where possible, ensure they are contained in pet carriers. Harbourside streets Ōhiwa Parade and Liddon Parade; and a small number of properties on the southern side of Harbour Road along the harbour edge, may also be impacted and residents of those areas are also advised to self-evacuate.

Residents living in these areas who have neighbours who may be in need of help to evacuate are asked to offer assistance wherever possible.

All stream crossing points in Ōhope are considered to be vulnerable and people are advised to treat them with extreme care

Further evacuations are being initiated for all campgrounds at the western end of the Whakatāne District, including the DOC campground in Matatā (mandatory), Murphy’s Holiday Camp, the Pikowai Campground (mandatory), Ōtamarākau freecamping area and the Thornton Beach Holiday Park (seaward side only) are also being asked to evacuate.  People who are in camper vans or motorhomes in the campgrounds should seek higher or sheltered ground as soon as possible but are advised to be aware of extreme wind conditions.

Residents of the Awatarariki fanhead area around Clem Elliot Drive are also being asked to self-evacuate. Evacuees from these locations are advised to seek shelter with friends or family living away from the immediate coastal hazard area, or go to the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall.

Storm surge waves of up to 5-metres are expected once Cyclone Cook impacts the area, which is likely to be from 6pm. That wave height will cover West End Road.

All stream crossing points in Ōhope are considered to be vulnerable and people are advised to treat them with extreme care.

Early evacuation is advised.

Heavy rain and extreme winds are likely to coincide with the storm surge, increasing the risks associated with slips from District escarpments and trees falling onto properties and across roads. Whakatāne Civil Defence urges District residents to stay off the roads during the peak of the storm impact, from 6pm tonight onwards.

Anyone not in the evacuation zones, but who feels unsafe should also consider self-evacuating to a safe location.

Further advisories will be issued later in the day.
 

13 April, 1:00 pm

Library closing early

The Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre will be closing early today at 2 pm due to Cyclone Cook.

• Customers can still return their library books through the afterhours return chutes
• Customers can renew their books on-line via the library catalogue on the website
• Logging into “My Account” with their library card and PIN

The Library is scheduled to reopen on Saturday, 15 April from 10 am to 2 pm unless the aftermath of Cyclone Cook prevents this. Please listen to the radio for updates.

Refuse collection stopping at 3 pm

Refuse collection will cease/stop at 3 pm to allow all trucks to go back and be secured.

It is important that residents get all bins in by 4 pm regardless of being full.

13 April, 12:35 pm

Advisory for Muriwai Drive and Whakatāne Heads

Members of the public are asked to stay clear of the Muriwai Drive area and The Heads in Whakatāne due to congestion caused by people wishing to observe the storm.

The road is now blocked near the Whakatāne Fishing Club, so steer clear of those areas unless it is absolutely essential.

Update on rubbish collection

• Murupara Transfer Station will be closed this afternoon.
• Whakatāne Transfer Station will operate a normal as long as it is safe to do so.
• Kerbside collections will continue as long as it is safe to do so, but if bins are not services residents should retrieve them to stop them and rubbish blowing away.

13 April, 11:10 am

Advisory for coastal residents

The weather is starting to pick up here in the Whakatāne region, and anyone in coastal areas should be aware that significant storm surges are likely. Residents in the Matatā, Pikowai, Ōhope (particularly West End) and the Whakatāne Escarpment area should be particularly alert and prepared to evacuate to friends and family. If people feel unsafe, self-evacuate, and do it early. Those that do not have friends or family in the area should register with the council, and head to Civil Defence Centres at the Whakatane War Memorial Hall or the Ruatahi marae.

Some further pertinent advice for coastal residents from Bay of Plenty Civil Defence:

Are you ready? if you're on the coast of the Bay of Plenty, over the next few hours get prepared following these steps:

• Make arrangements for where you and your family, including pets, will go to if you have to evacuate
• Plan how to contact each other and ensure all phones are fully charged
• Have your Getaway Kit ready: make sure it includes warm clothing, water and food for three days, any medication, basic first aid supplies and important documents 
• Prepare your vehicle by ensuring it has sufficient fuel
• Prepare for high winds: secure or move indoors any outdoor furniture
• If you have stock, move them to higher ground
• Sign up for Bay of Plenty Civil Defence text alerts » 
• Follow Bay of Plenty Civil Defence on Facebook for updates »
• Monitor your property and if you are worried, act upon it and leave – don’t wait for official warnings 
• If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately and do not return home until you are advised by authorities

13 April, 9:30 am 

Heavy Rain Warning for Bay Of Plenty

Heavy rain is expected to ease tonight. In the 12 hours from 9 am to 9 pm today, 80 to 120 mm is forecast to accumulate, in addition to what has already fallen. The heaviest falls are expected from around 3 pm, when rainfall rates could reach 25 to 50 mm or more with thunderstorms possible.

Severe Wind Warning for Bay Of Plenty

From this afternoon until late this evening, severe gales with gusts of 150 km/h or more are possible. Also, coastal areas in the east can expect large waves of 5 metres or more during this time, with storm surges near the centre of Cyclone Cook, and possible inundation and coastal erosion.

Rubbish collection proceeding today

Kerbside refuse collections today will continue today as far as possible. For collections in the Rūātoki, Waimana, Matahī Valley areas, drivers will be pulled out if conditions become unsafe. Due to the state of the roading network it is likely we won’t manage to service all scheduled areas, but we will do our best. If your bin is not collected, put it in a safe place sheltered from the expected high wind if you can