Authorities have issued ‘red’ level wind warnings, prompting mandatory evacuations at 270 properties in the coastal Whakatane District. As a result of the cyclone, approximately 5,000 homes are currently without electricity, with Air New Zealand canceling more than 90 turboprop flights due to the dangerous conditions.

Mark Mitchell, a local official, stated, “It’s moved more to the fringes and more to the east, which means that we haven’t quite seen the intensity that we had prepared for or that we thought we were going to get hit with. So that is good news.” However, he cautioned, “The concerning time is really from 2pm this afternoon (0800 GMT) onwards when we’ve got high tides combined with those big swells.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has responded to over 100 calls for assistance related to wind damage and flooding. MetService reported wind gusts of 130 km/h and 24-hour rainfall totals exceeding 100 mm in Whangarei.

Heather Keats, another official, emphasized the ongoing danger, saying, “Things do improve from tonight and tomorrow, but at the moment this is still a life-threatening weather system.” The cyclone is expected to cause coastal inundation due to high tides and large swells.

In a stark reminder of past disasters, Cyclone Vaianu has drawn comparisons to Cyclone Gabrielle, which resulted in 11 fatalities in 2023. Observers are closely monitoring the situation as the cyclone tracks southeast away from the mainland after causing significant damage.

As conditions are anticipated to improve, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant. John Price, a local leader, warned, “Act now and not later – later may be too late!”

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