'Now is not the time to be out on the water'

Severe winds are forecast for much of the country, prompting Maritime New Zealand to issue a warning: "Now is not the time to be out on the water."

They want to remind those who enjoy boating, the ‘she’ll be righters’ and 'thrill seekers', to stay off the waterways during the significant weather event affecting various parts of the country.

Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam has brought gale-force winds and heavy rain, causing widespread damage to the upper northern region of the North Island.

Thousands of properties in Northland have been without power since early Thursday, and some areas in Tāmaki Makaurau.

With Easter coinciding with ANZAC Day, many people plan to head out to enjoy water activities.

But MetService has reported that bands of heavy rain and strong winds will impact many northern and central New Zealand areas, and move southward on Thursday and Friday.

Winds gusting more than 50 knots (90km/h) have already been recorded off the coasts of Auckland, Northland, and the Coromandel.

Matt Wood, Maritime NZ’s Principal Adviser Recreational Craft, says venturing out in these conditions is "just not worth it".

"Some of the winds forecast for the top half of the North Island are the strongest since 2017," he says.

Wood advises staying home during this period, as going out in such conditions puts you and potential rescuers at risk if they encounter trouble.

The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) and the police coordinate search and rescue operations when necessary.

Justin Allan, RCCNZ’s General Manager, says the centre is staffed 24/7 and always ready to coordinate rescue efforts with its search and rescue partners.

But Allan strongly encourages anyone planning to go out on the water to understand the prevailing weather conditions and associated risks to avoid needing search and rescue assistance in challenging marine conditions.

"Rescue missions need to be safe for those undertaking them. Do not underestimate the conditions, keep yourself safe, and consider the impact on those who may need to come to your assistance should you get into trouble," he says.

Over the past few years, there have been several rescues following severe weather events that affected recreational vessels.

"There were some close calls and some tragic incidents as well," Wood says. "Last year, 17 people lost their lives in recreational boating incidents.

"Most of these were avoidable, and in several cases, people were out on the water when conditions were unsafe.

Kāeo's Wesleyan Church in the far north surrounded by flood waters. Photo/RNZ/Peter de Graaf

"Boaties need to ensure conditions are suitable before they hit the water, and if in doubt, don’t go out," Wood says.

While the upper North Island is being impacted for the next couple of days, officials believe that towards the end of the Easter weekend, there may be some safer boating spots in the lower North Island and the upper half of the South Island.

They urge anyone planning to go out on the water to check maritime forecasts beforehand.

For more information, MetService also provides marine weather forecasts and conditions on its website: Marine Weather Forecasts and Conditions - MetService New Zealand.