Emergency / Weather Restricted fire season declared for North Waikato from 4pm Thursday The permit-only rules cover Waikato, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, Waipa, Ōtorohanga, Waitomo and Hamilton City as vegetation fires rise with late-summer drying.
Emergency / Weather Ash observed at Whakaari; alert level raised to 3 and aviation code to Orange Photos and pilot reports show a weak ash-producing eruption from the main vent, with scientists planning a gas flight when weather allows.
Emergency / Weather Red severe thunderstorm warning for Waikato; Civil Defence urges people in low-lying areas to be ready to evacuate The Emergency Mobile Alert says heavy rain could cause rapidly rising water and slips, with people told not to wait for an official evacuation order.
Emergency / Weather Red severe thunderstorm warning issued for Waikato, with advice to evacuate quickly if waters rise The Emergency Mobile Alert urges people in low‑lying or flood‑prone areas to be ready to leave, keep off the roads, and stay out of floodwater.
Emergency / Weather Wellington region accounts for most of 852 emergency calls during overnight storm Fallen trees, powerlines and roof damage drove the workload; Fire and Emergency urges people to stay off the roads, avoid floodwater and use torches rather than candles if the power is out.
Emergency / Weather Red heavy rain warning downgraded to orange in Manawatu-Whanganui, more downpours expected The region is no longer under a red warning, but officials say more heavy rain is likely through early afternoon and travel should still be limited.
Emergency / Weather Firefighters cancel planned midday strike as North Island emergencies declared The union says crews are focused on storm response and cleanup, while Auckland meetings will still go ahead.
Weather / Emergency Wairarapa told to prepare to evacuate as flooding risk rises — Emergency Mobile Alert Wellington civil defence warns heavy rain could cause rivers and streams to rise rapidly overnight, urging people in low-lying and coastal areas to act before dark.
Emergency / Weather Wairarapa residents urged to be ready to evacuate as heavy rain lifts flood risk overnight An emergency mobile alert warns rivers and streams could rise quickly; people in low-lying and coastal areas are told to move early and stay off the roads.
Emergency / Weather Emergency Mobile Alert: Red rain warning for Manawatū, Rangitīkei and Ruapehu; threat to life from flooding and landslides MetService expects 140–180mm of rain with peak intensities overnight; officials urge people to avoid travel and be ready to self‑evacuate.
Emergency / Weather Red severe thunderstorm warning for Taupō; Civil Defence urges residents to be ready to self-evacuate MetService’s highest-level warning is in effect from 11am to 2.15pm on 14 February; avoid floodwater and unnecessary travel.
Weather / Emergency Red severe weather warning for South Waikato and Ōtorohanga; Civil Defence urges people to be ready to evacuate The highest MetService alert is in place from 7pm, with flooding and landslip risks; authorities say avoid travel and act quickly if water rises.
