State of emergency declared as huge swells force Wellington coast evacuations - Mayor

A local state of emergency has been declared for parts of Wellington as emergency officials prepare for powerful swells expected to hit the capital's coastline over the next 48 hours.

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little declared the emergency on Monday evening for the Paekawakawa/Southern and Motukairangi/Eastern wards following a MetService Heavy Swell Warning.

Waves of up to 10 metres are forecast along exposed parts of the coast, prompting authorities to order evacuations in the highest-risk areas.

Residents living in waterfront properties between Ōwhiro Bay and Breaker Bay have been asked to find alternative accommodation and leave no later than 9am on Tuesday.

Wellington Civil Defence Controller Phil Becker said the forecast conditions posed a serious threat.

"The size of the forecast waves means there is a real risk to the safety of residents on the coast and that properties may be inundated by seawater."

MetService heavy swell warnings are in place for the lower North Island coast and strong wind watches for coastal parts of Wairarapa and the Tararua District, and in the South Island, coastal parts of Clutha and Dunedin from Tuesday. Photo/Screenshot/MetService

The warning is being closely watched across Pacific communities in Wellington, particularly among families living in coastal suburbs and those who regularly fish, gather kaimoana or spend time along the shoreline.

Emergency officials have identified two periods on Tuesday when the risk is expected to be highest:

• Two hours either side of high tide at 11.19am
• Two hours either side of high tide at 11.42pm

In April, residents in Wellington were hit with heavy rain that caused flooding and widespread disruption across the city. Photo/RNZ/file

People are being urged to stay away from beaches, coastal roads, rocks and waterfront areas during those times.

While the southern and eastern coastlines are expected to bear the brunt of the swells, large waves are also forecast to affect parts of the Wairarapa coast and Wellington Harbour, including Petone and Eastbourne.

Civil Defence said the state of emergency gives authorities additional powers to manage evacuations, close roads and respond quickly if conditions worsen.

Officials stressed that residents outside the designated emergency areas do not need to evacuate unless directed to do so.

The emergency declaration is expected to remain in place until at least Wednesday morning when conditions are forecast to ease.

But authorities say it may take longer before affected coastal roads and neighbourhoods can safely reopen as crews assess damage and clear debris.

Residents are being urged to follow updates from Wellington Civil Defence, MetService and local authorities, and to check on neighbours who may need assistance.

The latest warnings and evacuation information are available through official Civil Defence and Wellington City Council channels.

For more information, visit https://www.metservice.com/