The Whakatāne District Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) will be stood down at 5pm today after forecasted heavy rainfall and severe winds were significantly less than predicted. A National State of Emergency will remain in place to support a coordinated response effort across the country for districts recovering from the destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. 

Mayor Dr Victor Luca says activating the EOC on Monday meant Whakatāne District Council was able to collaborate with partner organisations to ensure plans were in place to maintain the safety of everyone in the District.

"We feel very grateful that the Whakatāne District has avoided significant damage as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle," says Mayor Luca. "Our thoughts are with those around the country who continue to deal with the critical impact from this weather event."

A state of local emergency was declared at 3pm Monday, and an order to evacuate was issued to residents at West End and a section of Port Ōhope. Experts were particularly concerned with modelling that showed high-tide at 1:30am could have potentially devastating consequences with storm surges inundating properties. 

The decision to evacuate early meant there were plenty of daylight hours available to get residents prepared to leave, and avoid any distress in the middle of the night.

"The technical data we were receiving pointed to a significant storm surge effect and damaging high winds," explains Mayor Luca. "We'd much rather apologise for inconveniencing people than put them at risk because we failed to follow expert advice. You've only got to look at what's happened in areas surrounding ours to see the destruction we were lucky enough to dodge."

A dedicated Emergency Evacuation Centre was set up at the Whakatāne War Memorial Hall on Monday as a base for those people who were unable to evacuate to friends or family. Local Controller, Nicholas Woodley, says the centre was used by approximately 14 people and closed at 4pm Tuesday after all residents were able to return to their homes.

Whakatāne District Council staff will continue to closely monitor weather conditions, including the status of roads and power outages throughout the District. Mr Woodley says this event has highlighted how effective the response teams are when faced with a potential emergency.

"I'd like to thank our partner organisations and all those involved for their immense support and dedication," he says. "Whether we like it or not, this isn't our first rodeo. We have an experienced team and robust processes in place to ensure we can act swiftly in situations exactly like this."

Residents are encouraged to use this opportunity to make sure they are prepared for any future emergencies. The 'GetReady' website has plenty of information on what households, schools, workplaces and marae can do to get ready for a range of different scenarios.