State of Emergency in Northland as Cyclone Vaianu approaches: Auckland on alert

A State of Emergency has been declared across Northland as Cyclone Vaianu tracks towards the upper North Island.

Officials warn the storm could also bring severe weather to Auckland over the weekend.

The declaration came into force at 5pm on Friday and will remain in place for an initial seven days.

It follows advice from emergency services and Northland Civil Defence, as forecasters warn of strong winds, heavy rain, and possible flooding.

Damian Rio, Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group Controller, said the move was a precaution but necessary given the uncertainty around the cyclone’s path and strength.

“Declaring an emergency is a step under our legislation which allows the Civil Defence Controller and/or those to whom they delegate authority, access to emergency powers, granting authority to protect life and property in extraordinary emergency events under the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Act 2002," his statement read.

Those powers include evacuations, road closures, and access to property if needed.

“Declaring an emergency is a step under our legislation which allows the Civil Defence Controller and/or those to whom they delegate authority, access to emergency powers, granting authority to protect life and property in extraordinary emergency events under the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Act 2002.”

Emergency services in Northland are on high alert as severe weather warnings remain in place, with authorities urging people to prepare and avoid unnecessary travel. Photo/MetService

Forecasters say the storm is expected to bring the worst conditions to Northland, especially eastern areas, with severe gale winds and intense rainfall likely from late Saturday into Sunday.

An orange strong wind warning covers the region from 11pm Saturday to 2pm Sunday including heavy rain warnings and watches.

Authorities are warning of fallen trees, power outages, surface flooding, slips, and dangerous driving conditions.

For Tāmaki Makaurau, MetService warnings covering the wider North Island suggest the city could also feel the effects particularly strong winds and bursts of heavy rain as the system moves south.

Watch Prime Minister Christopher Luxon urge New Zealanders to 'prepare now' ahead of Cyclone Vaianu's arrival.

While not expected to be as severe as Northland, conditions may still disrupt travel and power supply especially in exposed coastal areas.

Rio says it is still unclear how much emergency powers will be needed.

“This declaration means we can act quickly if required. It gives us the tools to respond effectively and keep our communities safe if the situation escalates.”

Colin Kitchen, Northland CDEM Group Chair, acknowledged the strain on communities already recovering from recent storms.

“We know this is a difficult time for many communities who are already dealing with the impacts of previous weather events, but Northlanders have consistently shown their strength and resilience,” Kitchen said in a statement.

Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to reach Aotearoa by Saturday. Photo/Earth Nullschool

“I want to acknowledge the efforts people are making now to get prepared, look out for their neighbours, and follow official advice. Those actions make a real difference.”

Authorities across the upper North Island are urging people including in Auckland to stay updated, avoid unnecessary travel during peak weather, and be ready in case conditions worsen.

Emergency services and councils continue to meet as the situation develops.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says people can find advice on preparing for storms, flooding and other severe weather in multiple languages at www.getready.govt.nz