TE PUKE, NZ – Te Puke and wider Bay of Plenty residents are being urged to remain on high alert, or even consider relocating, as an intense band of heavy rain is set to lash the region overnight and into Wednesday morning. An orange heavy rain warning is firmly in place for the entire Bay of Plenty, including our own backyard, and the Coromandel, with forecasters predicting up to a staggering 180mm of rain.
The powerful weather system is already making its presence felt along the coastline, with monster swells smashing into Bay of Plenty beaches. Pukehina, a stone’s throw from Te Puke, has reported waves reaching an astounding 6.4 metres, while Tauranga has seen swells up to 5.9 metres.
MetService hasn’t ruled out an upgrade to a red warning, a serious escalation, warning that local streams and rivers could rise rapidly. “Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously,” a MetService spokesperson advised. Adding to the concern, a strong wind watch is also active for the Coromandel Peninsula, eastern Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty, with northeast winds approaching severe gale force in exposed areas.
Local Councils Spring into Action
Local authorities across the region are on high alert. While Rotorua Lakes Council has specifically urged those near the Ngongotahā Stream to consider evacuating, Western Bay of Plenty Council Civil Defence Local Controller Kerrie Little is focused on proactive measures for Te Puke and surrounding communities.
Little emphasised the importance of securing outdoor items like trampolines and outdoor furniture, and crucially, clearing leaves and debris from external drains to help prevent surface flooding. Residents are also advised to charge mobile phones in case of power outages and check on neighbours.
“If your property has been prone to flooding in the past, move your furniture and valuables as high above the floor as possible, use watertight containers to store important items, and lift curtains, rugs and bedding off the floor,” Little stated. She also suggested using sandbags, available from local hardware stores, to keep water away from homes and having a grab bag ready for potential evacuation.
“Most importantly, stay informed,” Little stressed. “We are actively monitoring the situation and taking a precautionary approach across our operations. Pre-rain checks have been completed, our transportation team has inspected key roading sites, and we have essential contractors, such as arborists, on standby.”
Any dangerous situations, such as a fallen tree or slip, should be reported to the council at 0800 926 732 or via the Antenno app.
Regional Coordination and Agricultural Preparedness
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council activated its flood room earlier this morning, at 9:30 AM, and is in close communication with local councils regarding the potential impact on the region’s major river schemes, including those that affect our Te Puke agricultural heartland.
While no warnings were in place as of 11:30 AM, the council anticipates this will change overnight. The flood room team directly contacts landowners on low-lying rural land adjacent to major rivers if water levels are expected to reach first or second warning levels. These automated messages provide crucial time for preparation, such as moving stock to higher ground.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has also urged farmers, foresters, and growers across the region to prepare for potential challenges. “MPI staff are ready and available to assist, with additional staff deployed in the top of the South and regional staff closely monitoring the Bay of Plenty,” he said, advising farmers to move stock to higher ground proactively.
Coastal Closures and Safety Warnings
Further afield, the Department of Conservation (DoC) has taken the precautionary step of closing tracks to Coromandel’s Mautohe Cathedral Cove from 6 AM today, urging visitors to avoid the popular spot due to safety concerns regarding landslides and rockfalls in the anticipated severe weather.
With sea swells expected to intensify, anyone considering visiting coastal areas by boat is strongly advised to check sea conditions first and carefully assess the risks.
Stay safe, Te Puke. Keep an eye on local alerts and take all necessary precautions.
