Cyclone Gabrielle Update: Wednesday 1 March
Cyclone Gabrielle recovery support
Information on support is available to those that have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle is available online at Wellington Region Emergency Management Office [WREMO].
WREMOโs Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery Support page has links to information and guidance on mental health and wellbeing, financial assistance, and other response information.
Visitย wremo.nz/cyclone-gabrielle-recovery-supportย for more information.
Cyclone Gabrielle Update: Friday 22 February
Cyclone Gabrielle recovery grants and funding
Financial support is available to farmers, growers, whenua Mฤori entities and rural communities significantly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.ย Visit the Ministry of Primary Industries website for further information.
Mayoral Relief Fund
Wairarapa mayors have opened a Relief Fund in response to the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.ย Donations to the Wairarapa Mayoral Relief Fund can be made to 03-0687-0271682-03, using the donation reference โWAISTORMโ.ย Eligibility criteria and the application process will be posted on Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa District Council websites when finalised.
The Hon Kieran McAnulty, Minister for Emergency Management, has announced a Government contribution of $75,000 [excluding GST] towards a joint Wairarapa Mayoral Relief Fund.
Carterton Mayor Hon. Ron Mark welcomed the boost to the Fund.
โIt remains crucial that people and organisations can support Wairarapa folk who have been devastated by this cyclone, and that there is confidence that the funds that they donate, will be used fairly, wisely and impartially.
โMy Mayoral colleagues and I will determine where the priorities are, and who will receive funding, based on the cycloneโs impact and the needs of our local communities.
โI welcome the contribution from central Government and the Minister, who knows the area so well. I look forward to future support from central Government as our communities look to rebuild and restore from the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.โ
โOur Rural Advisory Group will act as a link into Council for Cartertonโs rural community. It will provide quality and timely advice on rural matters, which is especially important during challenging times.โ
Cyclone Gabrielle Update: Wednesday 22 February
Street light outages
We have received service requests regarding street lighting outages in Carterton. We are in constant contact with our provider Mercury Energy regarding the issues. However, PowerCo, who make their repairs on Mercuryโs behalf, are currently prioritising restoring services and safeguarding Tinui, Hawkeโs Bay and other areas affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
We have a record of each request, but it may be a little while longer than planned to repair any street light issues at this time. Please contact us if you see any street lights outages, so we can pass a record on as soon they are available again.
Please call 06 379 4030 or visit cdc.govt.nz/service-request to report issues.
Mayoral Relief Fund
Wairarapa mayors have opened a Relief Fund in response to the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.ย Donations to the Wairarapa Mayoral Relief Fund can be made to 03-0687-0271682-03, using the donation reference โWAISTORMโ.ย Eligibility criteria and the application process will be posted on Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa District Council websites when finalised.
Cyclone Gabrielle Update: last updated Sat 18 Feb 10am
Cyclone Gabrielle Update: 9:30am Friday 17 February
Donations
Aotearoa has really turned up for each other over these last few weeks. Ka mau te wehi! Regions that have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle have been inundated with your generous donations and offers of help, and we are keen to make sure we can make the biggest difference possible. For a lot of areas, people on the ground are still working out what needs to happen. Once thereโs more information about whatโs going on, larger organisations like New Zealand Red Cross and the Student Volunteer Army etc. will be organizing clean up support and other measures. Get in touch with relevant groups to see if you are able to register with them or donate.
More information on what to, and what not to, donate is available on WREMO’s Facebook page: WREMO: DONATIONS & WAYS TO HELP
Wairarapa Emergency Operations Centre
The Wairarapa Emergency Operations Centre has activated. Their role is to work across councils and multiple organisations to coordinate a Wairarapa wide response to the flood. This includes gathering intel, providing communication, and assessing and providing welfare needs. Some of our staff will be helping out in the EOC in the next few days.
EOC update
- They are in communication with the impacted communities in rural Carterton and South Wairarapa, through the Rural Support Trust Wairarapa.
- There is currently a FENZ unit out at Te Kopi in Gladstone conducting a primary survey of the area.
- The Upper Hutt Community Rescue team is in Masterton and the EOC is talking to them now about sending a response team to impacted areas in rural Carterton tomorrow [Friday 17th]. Once confirmed, they can ensure they take information on how to clean up after a flood and how to get help.
- Weโre still waiting to confirm whether Powerco has been able to get out to Flat Point but Council have been in contact with residents there.
- FENZ are taking a 4X4 out to Flat Point this afternoon for reconnaissance. Will also be trying to get through Hinakura towards Pahaoa.
- We have flyers available on our website [cdc.govt.nz/documents, or linked below] for rural residents to give guidance on how to clean up after a flood and what to do with deceased livestock.
- Weโre urging those with welfare issues relating accommodation, food, or other needs because of the severe weather to call 0800 CD WAIRARAPA (0800 239 247).
- Rural farmers can contact the Rural Support Trust through their Facebook page @ruralsupporttrustwai
- If you and your family have been affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, you may be able to get a Civil Defence Payment. Call 0800 400 100. Open 7am – 5pm Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm Saturday and 8am – 1pm on Sunday. Visit the website for information about the Civil Defence Payment [bit.ly/3Cqttgq].
Weather
- Although the heavy rain warning has expired, some rain is still expected and ground conditions will be wet. Please continue to travel with extreme care.
- The ground is already saturated from previous rainfall. Ponding and surface flooding may appear faster than usual. Rivers and streams may rise quickly.
- Driving conditions may not be favourable. Consider delaying travel, and if you must travel, please take extra care on the roads.
- Continue to ensure gutters and drains are clear. If there are any issues with council managed drains, please contact your local council.
- Keep an eye on the weather and visit www.metservice.com/warnings/home for the latest updates.
- We will continue to provide updates and advice as needed.
River levels may be high. You can check these online on Greater Wellington Regional Councilโs maps website [https://mapping.gw.govt.nz/GW/RiverLevels]
Road Closures
- Kaiwhata Road CLOSED
Factsheets
- Te Whatu Ora: Cleaning up safely after a flood [PDF]: Advice from Te Whatu Ora/Health New Zealand on cleaning up safely after a flood.
- Te Whatu Ora: Health advice after a flood for rural communities: Health advice after a flood for rural communities from Te Whatu Ora.
- Cyclone Gabrielle โ Important information for our local communities: Information from National Emergency Management Office.
Cyclone Gabrielle Update: 9am, Thursday 16 February
MetService NewZealand has issued a Heavy Rain Warning for the Wairarapa and eastern hills of Wellington until 12pm today.
Around 80 to 100 mm of rain is expected to accumulate with peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h.
- The ground is already saturated from previous rainfall. Ponding and surface flooding may appear faster than usual. Rivers and streams may rise quickly.
- Driving conditions may not be favourable. Consider delaying travel, and if you must travel, please take extra care on the roads.
- Continue to ensure gutters and drains are clear. If there are any issues with council managed drains, please contact your local council.
Keep an eye on the weather and visit www.metservice.com/warnings/home for the latest updates.ย We will continue to provide updates and advice as needed.
River levels may be high. You can check these online on Greater Wellington Regional Council’s maps website [https://mapping.gw.govt.nz/GW/RiverLevels]
Road Closures
- Kaiwhata Road CLOSED
- Kokotau Road OPEN
- Dalefield Road OPEN
- Te Wharau Road [UNSEALED SECTION]: OPEN TO 4 X 4 VEHICLES AND RESIDENTS ONLY [ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ONLY EXTREME CAUTION REQUIRED]
Cyclone Gabrielle Update: 5pm, Wednesday 15 February
MetService NewZealand has issued a Heavy Rain Warning for the Wairarapa and eastern hills of Wellington from 10pm tonight until 6pm tomorrow. 80 to 100 mm of rain is expected to accumulate with peak rates of 10 to 20mm/h.
- The ground is already saturated from previous rainfall. Ponding and surface flooding may appear faster than usual. Rivers and streams may rise quickly.
- Driving conditions may not be favourable. Consider delaying travel, and if you must travel, please take extra care on the roads.
- Continue to ensure gutters and drains are clear. If there are any issues with council managed drains, please contact your local council.
Keep an eye on the weather and visit www.metservice.com/warnings/home for the latest updates.ย We will continue to provide updates and advice as needed.
Road Closures
- Te Kopi Road is flooded. There is signage up and there is access for Te Kopi residents only, and only for essential travel. All other people should avoid this road. Extreme caution required.
- Kokotau Road CLOSED from Tiffins Road (Please also note that Te Whiti road is closed at the Masterton end so please do not redirect that way)
- Te Wharau Roadย – gravel section now open to residents and 4WD vehicles for essential travel only use if necessary and extreme caution is required.
- Te Whiti Road now open at the Carterton boundary but closed at the Masterton boundary
- Dalefield Road NOW OPEN
- Kaiwhata Road -extreme caution required, essential travel for residents and 4WD only
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Wellington is not reporting any issues with the Wellington State Highway network. However, further north outside of our region, conditions remain hazardous on many roads which remain open, and several state highways further north are closed.
What Council is doing
Our contractor’s working plan is below.
- Clearing the slip and trees on Te Wharau Road, the job is still progressing, and will give you an update later this afternoon.
- Contractors and roading inspectors are monitoring the network assets including drainage, pavement, etc which were damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle. They are concentrating mainly on our East coast roads.
- Drainage clearing in the towns.
- Closely monitoring the water level on Gladstone bridge, (near the Hotel). The water level is high, however, at the moment, we are not closing the bridge.
- Contractors will analyse the damage on Kaiwhata Road and will start working later today or early tomorrow.
- Clearing the slips, flooding, and inspecting the damages on the road from Clifton Grove to Pahao Road.
Cyclone Gabrielle Update: 10:30am Wednesday 15 February
please check on any vulnerable neighbours to make sure they are OK.
if you need to leave your home, please head to local family or friends in the first instance where you can.
Call 0800 239 247 if you need support.
๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐น๐ผ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐:
Kokotau Road closed from Tiffins Road (Please also note that Te Whiti road is closed at the Masterton end so please do not redirect that way)
Te Wharau Road from Westmere Road
Cyclone Gabrielle Update: 4.30pm, Tuesday 14 February
Road Closures
- DALEFIELD ROAD CLOSED FROM LINCOLN ROAD TO THOMAS ROAD
- TE WHARAU ROAD CLOSED FROM WESTMERE ROAD.
Other major roads
- State Highway 2 at Remutaka Hill is currently assessed as unlikely to close due to wind, but could be closed if there are slips.
- Saddle Road is closed in Manawatu. Pahiatua Track currently open. We are watching this due to the vulnerability of these routes along with Remutaka Hill as access routes to Wairarapa.
Weather Update
- A heavy rain update remains in place for Wairarapa until 6pm.
- A strong wind warning remains in place for Wairarapa and the lower North Island until 12am, Wednesday 15 February.
- Keep an eye on the MetService website and Wellington Region Emergency Management Office for updates.
Who to Call
- Surface flooding on roads, slips, drinking water and wastewater issues (including after hours) 06 379 4030 or log a service request here.
- Power lines 0800 769 372
- Electricity 0800 272727
- River and Stream Hazards 0800 496 734
- Fire or immediate threat to life call 111
Cartertonโs Community Emergency Hub
Did you know In the event of a significant event, Cartertonโs Community Emergency Hub operates out of the Carterton Events Centre on Holloway St? The Hub, will provide you with information so that our community knows how to help each other and stay safe. This is not running at this stage, however we will let you know if we reach the stage where this is needed.
Update: 12:45pm, Tuesday 14 February
* If it is safe for you to do so, please visit our our Operations Yard on Holloway Street up until ๐ฏ๐ฝ๐บ, behind the public carpark near Carterton School.
* We have bags available for you to fill.
* Please check in at the gate [do not just drive through as this is a work area].
* You will be directed to the area where you can park your car and fill sandbags.
We are monitoring our wastewater network which is coping under the current conditions. We have measures in place should the situation worse.
Our roading teams are constantly out inspecting roads and clearing slips to keep as much of the network safe and open as possible
Our teams have been out clearing culverts and drains where possible, however, we advise if you notice any drains around your property to be blocked to try and clear them or send us a service request https://cdc.govt.nz/service-request
Update: 10.30am, Tuesday 14 February
- Carterton Library will CLOSE 2.30pm. At this stage our intention is to reopen Wednesday 15 February at 9.30am
Update: 7.30am, Tuesday 14 February
Roading & Services Update
- No major issues reported on the network overnight.
- Contractor checking to Glenburn Hill Road.
- Crews are working in Carterton to clear flooding, including State Highway 2.
- Carterton Library is OPEN
- Carterton District Council office is OPEN
Sandbags
- We will continue to provide sand and bags today [Tuesday 14 February], between 9am and 1pm. If it is safe for you to do so, please visit our our Operations Yard on Holloway Street, behind the public carpark near Carterton School.
- We have bags available for you to fill.
- Please check in at the gate [do not just drive through as this is a work area].
- You will be directed to the area where you can park your car and fill sandbags.
- We will reasonably limit how many bags each person can take to ensure people arenโt taking more than they need.
Update: 2.15pm, Monday 13 February
- Strong wind warning from 5:00pm Monday 13 February to 12:00pm Tuesday 14 February
- Heavy rain warning for Wairarapa from 12am to 3pm, Tuesday 14 February
- East to southwest gales are forecast to become severe. Gusts reaching 120 km/h in exposed places
- Expect 120 to 180 mm of rain about the ranges and eastern hills, and 80 to 120 mm in lower lying areas. Peak rates of 10 to 15 mm/h, but 20 to 30 mm/h overnight Monday about the ranges and eastern hills.
Sandbags
- We will be providing access to fill your own sandbags today Monday 13 February, until 6pm, at our Operations Yard on Holloway Street, behind the public carpark near Carterton School.
- We have bags available for you to fill.
- Please check in at the gate [do not just drive through as this is a work area].
- You will be directed to the area where you can park your car and fill sandbags.
- We will reasonably limit how many bags each person can take to ensure people arenโt taking more than they need.
- Please take extra care between 2:45pm and 3:30pm as this time is busy with after school pick ups at Carterton School.
What else do you need to do?
If you know your house or street is prone to flooding, get prepared now. If flooding occurs, Fire and Emergency may not be able to get to you. Council will be busy keeping core services and assets functioning [drinking water, wastewater and roading].
- Create a plan in case access to your house is cut off, or you need to evacuate due to flooding or landslides. Share and practice that plan with your family.
- Ensure you have a grab bag ready. Include key items like medication and warm clothing.
- Have a plan for your pets and/or livestock.
- Ensure drains and gutters are kept clear to help water drain away as quickly as possible!
- Secure any outdoor items like wheelie bins, trampolines and outdoors furniture that may blow around.
- Take extra care on the roads [especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles]
Visit the Met Service website and follow WREMO – Wellington Region Emergency Management Officeย for the latest updates.
What is Council doing?
- We already have plans in place and our internal Incident Management Team on standby, monitoring the situation over the weekend.
- We have teams on call to respond to any potential slips, surface flooding, road closures etc. We have a regular maintenance schedule for clearing culverts and storm drains and have been checking problem areas.
- We are in continuous contact with WREMO to ensure our staff and elected members are kept up to date with the latest info
- We have put measures in place to ensure our key services such as urban drinking water and the provision of wastewater services continue to operate.
Who to call
- Call CDC at 06 379 4030 for surface flooding on roads, slips, drinking water and wastewater issues [including after hours]
- Log a service request through this website.
- Power Lines 0800 769 372
- Electricity 0800 272727
- River and Stream Hazards 0800 496 734
- Fire or immediate threat to life call 111
For more info, visit cdc.govt.nz/emergency-management