Whakatāne District declares State of Local Emergency – West End residents must evacuate

Acting Mayor Jukes says the declaration is in response to the expected impacts of Cyclone Vaianu, with properties along West End, Ōhope ordered to evacuate by 5pm today (Saturday, 11 April 2026).

Council Urges Coastal Residents To Prepare For Evacuations As Cyclone Vaianu Approaches

Whakatāne District Council is urging coastal residents, particularly those in Ōhope Beach, to prepare now, with evacuations ...

Cyclone Vaianu: Why Whakatāne District Council moved early to evacuate residents

Evacuation orders issued in the Whakatāne District ahead of ex-tropical cyclone Vaianu have been described as “well‑founded” ...