New Zealand Weather Warnings and Landslides

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SUMMARY

Three new slips occurred at the Mount Maunganui landslide site on July 28, 2026, prompting officials to close a road at the base of the mountain as the North Island braces for more heavy rain. As of July 28, 2026, a landslide at Mount Maunganui's Beachside Holiday Park reactivated over the weekend due to heavy rainfall, regressing approximately 20 meters with a 100-meter run-out, following a magnitude 5.9 earthquake near Taumarunui on July 25, 2026, which intensified the impact of severe weather. New Zealand's North Island is experiencing heavy rains, flooding, and landslides, causing road closures and advisories, with evacuations ordered in some low-lying areas. Experts warn of increased landslide risks due to climate change.

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July 2026 9 developments

  1. Two Dead, Several Feared Buried in New Zealand Landslides

    Two fatalities and several people feared buried occurred at a campground on Mount Maunganui on July 29, 2026, due to landslides triggered by several days of heavy rain. Search efforts were ongoing amidst difficult and high-risk conditions. The region has a history of landslides, and the heavy rain also caused broader flooding and power outages across the North Island.

  2. New Landslides Occur at Mount Maunganui, Prompting Road Closure Amid Severe Weather

    Three new slips occurred at the Mount Maunganui landslide site, prompting officials to close a road at the base of the mountain. The North Island is bracing for more heavy rain, with experts warning of increased landslide risks due to climate change.

  3. Landslide Reactivates at Mount Maunganui Holiday Park Amid Heavy Rainfall

    A landslide at Mount Maunganui's Beachside Holiday Park reactivated over the weekend due to heavy rainfall, leading to an increased alert level and extended road closure. The reactivation saw a significant regression of about 20 meters with a run-out of approximately 100 meters, with further slips not ruled out. This follows a period of significant rainfall in January 2026 that caused widespread flooding and landslides across the North Island.

  4. New Zealand North Island Hit by Earthquake Amid Heavy Rains, Flooding, and Landslides

    New Zealand's North Island is experiencing heavy rains, flooding, and landslides, causing road closures and advisories for motorists. A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck near Taumarunui on July 25, 2026, intensifying the impact of the severe weather by contributing to slips and road closures in the central North Island. Evacuations have been ordered in some low-lying areas due to the ongoing risks of landslides and flooding.

  5. New Zealand: Search for missing man amid heavy rains, earthquake causes road closures

    A search is underway for a man swept away in a river amidst heavy rains and landslides impacting New Zealand's North Island. An earthquake near Taumarunui has also contributed to several road slips and closures across the central North Island.

  6. New Zealand's South Island: Kaikōura declares state of emergency due to heavy rain and infrastructure damage.

    Kaikōura in the South Island declared a state of emergency on July 9, 2026, due to damaged bridges and closed roads caused by heavy rain and strong winds. Authorities are urging continued caution due to ongoing risks of landslides and flooding, with warning signs including small slips, rock falls, and sinking land.

  7. New Zealand North Island Hit by Heavy Rain, Landslides, and Flooding

    New Zealand's North Island experienced heavy rainfall and landslides in early July 2026, leading to widespread flooding, damaged bridges, and closed roads. The severe weather also caused power outages in some areas, with wind gusts reaching up to 120 km/h. These events follow earlier weather-related disruptions in January and April 2026.

  8. New Zealand Declares State of Emergency as Severe Weather Triggers Flooding and Evacuations

    A rare Red Heavy Rain Warning was issued for parts of New Zealand's lower South Island in early July 2026, with severe weather expected to spread north and impact the North Island, including Wellington. This led to the evacuation of up to 100 homes in Wellington due to flooding, and a state of emergency was declared in the Wellington Region as the severe weather worsened.

June 2026 9 developments

  1. Severe Storm Hits New Zealand's North Island Causing Flight Cancellations and Injuries

    A severe storm on June 26, 2026, brought heavy rain and strong winds to New Zealand's lower North Island, causing approximately 200 flight cancellations at Wellington Airport and power outages for 4,000 customers. One man was seriously injured in New Plymouth when a tree fell on his vehicle, and flooding and landslides were reported in areas like Lower Hutt.

  2. New Zealand Issues Weather Warnings Amidst Slips and Flooding

    Heavy rain and strong wind warnings are in effect for much of New Zealand's South Island and lower North Island as of June 20, 2026, causing slips and flooding on West Coast highways. Experts warn that climate change may increase the frequency of such intense storms.

  3. New Zealand landslides in early June 2026 kill two, leave several missing

    Two people died in a landslide in Welcome Bay, and several others, including children, were reported missing after a landslide at Beachside Holiday Park in early June 2026. A firefighter also went missing after being caught in a landslide in Muriwai, west of Auckland, amidst ongoing heavy rain and landslides across New Zealand's North Island.

  4. New Zealand: State of Emergency Declared for Wellington Coast Amidst Massive Swells

    A state of emergency has been declared for parts of Wellington, New Zealand, prompting evacuations in several bays due to forecasts of massive swells and potential coastal flooding. Residents in Ōwhiro Bay, Island Bay, Houghton Bay, and Breaker Bay were ordered to evacuate as waves up to 10 meters are expected.

  5. New Zealand's North Island faces severe weather with evacuations and states of emergency

    As of June 8, 2026, New Zealand's North Island is experiencing severe weather with ongoing heavy rain and strong winds, leading to evacuations and states of emergency in areas like Wellington and Northland. Coastal areas face significant damage risks from large swells reaching up to 10.5 meters in the Cook Strait, prompting advisories to avoid beaches and coastal roads.

  6. New Zealand's North Island faces heavy rain and thunderstorms with new warnings

    MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for the eastern Bay of Plenty and Taranaki, and a severe thunderstorm watch for the northern North Island. These conditions may cause surface flooding, slips, and hazardous driving. The weather events follow earlier heavy rains and landslides in Mount Maunganui in late January 2026.

  7. New Zealand North Island Hit by Heavy Rain, Causing Slips and Evacuations

    Heavy rain impacted New Zealand's North Island on June 1-2, 2026, causing a major slip near Auckland that led to home evacuations. Rainfall intensities reached up to 30mm per hour in Kaitaia, with potential for 40mm per hour across the upper North Island. In the Tasman region, eight properties were evacuated due to flooding.

May 2026 6 developments

  1. New Zealand Issues Heavy Rain Warnings as Wet Weather Spreads

    MetService has issued heavy rain warnings and watches for multiple regions across New Zealand, with significant rainfall expected to spread from the South Island to the North Island. Orange heavy rain warnings are active for Tasman District, Buller, and the Richmond and Bryant Ranges, with potential impacts including rapidly rising rivers and surface flooding.

  2. Wellington City Council Offers Rates Relief for Flood-Affected Properties

    The Wellington City Council has announced rates relief for properties significantly impacted by the April 20, 2026, flooding. This action is part of the New Zealand government's commitment to investments in infrastructure resilience, hazard information, and emergency management systems through Budget 2026.

  3. Cyclone Vaianu Triggers New Warnings and Flooding in New Zealand

    New Zealand's Wairarapa region received a 'Heavy Swell Warning' on May 27, 2026, with swells expected to reach 3.5 to 4 meters. Wellington experienced its first-ever red wind warning with gusts up to 150 kph, causing transport disruptions. Christchurch and surrounding areas on the South Island also faced heavy flooding, leading to states of emergency.

  4. State of Emergency Declared in Christchurch Amid Heavy Rain and Swells

    A state of emergency has been declared in Christchurch (South Island) in late May 2026 due to heavy rain and strong sea swells affecting both islands. This follows an earlier state of emergency in April 2026 for parts of the North Island due to Cyclone Vaianu, with experts warning of ongoing landslide risks from saturated slopes.

  5. Cyclone Vaianu Impact Subsides in New Zealand; No Current Reports of Damage

    As of May 27, 2026, there are no current reports of active heavy rainfall, landslides, or damage in New Zealand's North Island. Forecasts indicate rain in the coming days, but no significant weather events are presently occurring, suggesting the immediate impact of Cyclone Vaianu has passed.

  6. Cyclone Vaianu Triggers Tornado, Flooding, and Evacuations on New Zealand's North Island

    A tornado touched down in Welcome Bay, Tauranga in April 2026, causing destruction. Cyclone Vaianu also brought heavy rain and strong winds to New Zealand's North Island, leading to widespread flooding and evacuations.

April 2026 3 developments

  1. Cyclone Vaianu moves offshore, cleanup operations begin on New Zealand's North Island

    Cleanup operations have commenced on New Zealand's North Island as Cyclone Vaianu moves offshore. The cyclone made landfall on April 12, 2026, bringing destructive winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding, causing widespread disruption and power outages. Damage assessments are currently underway.

  2. Cyclone Vaianu makes landfall on New Zealand's North Island, bringing destructive winds

    Cyclone Vaianu has made landfall on New Zealand's North Island, bringing destructive winds exceeding 130 km/h and heavy rain. Thousands of residents have been ordered to evacuate due to warnings of coastal flooding and landslides, with several regions declaring a state of emergency. Wind gusts have reached up to 150 km/h in some areas, causing power outages for thousands.

  3. Cyclone Vaianu prompts evacuations and emergency declarations in New Zealand's North Island

    Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to bring severe weather to New Zealand's North Island starting April 11, 2026. A Red Strong Wind Warning is in effect for the Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island, with gusts potentially reaching 140 km/h. A State of Emergency has been declared in Northland and the Whakatāne District, and residents in the West End of Ōhope have been ordered to evacuate.

March 2026 1 developments

  1. New Zealand's North Island braces for heavy rain as subtropical low approaches, prompting rescues and road closures

    New heavy rain warnings and watches have been issued for New Zealand's North Island, including Northland and Auckland, as a deep subtropical low approaches. Emergency services are conducting rescues from flooded homes and rooftops, and key highways have been closed due to slips and flooding, isolating towns and leaving thousands without power.

February 2026 8 developments

  1. Man dies in New Zealand floodwaters as severe weather causes widespread damage and power outages

    A man has died after his car was trapped in floodwaters, and thousands of households are without power following severe weather across New Zealand's North Island. A state of emergency has been declared in the region due to "one in 100 year" rainfall, with widespread flooding, road collapses, and damage to infrastructure reported.

  2. New Zealand districts declare emergencies, 30,000 lose power, 1 dead amid severe weather

    States of emergency have been declared in Tararua, Waipā, and Ōtorohanga districts on New Zealand's North Island due to heavy rain and severe gales. Red heavy rain warnings are in effect for parts of Manawatū and Ruapehu districts, with forecasts of significant flooding and landslides. Over 30,000 properties have lost power, and a man was found dead in his submerged vehicle in the Ōtorohanga district.

  3. Fire and Emergency NZ deploys teams as North Island faces orange heavy rain warning

    An orange heavy rain warning has been issued for parts of New Zealand's North Island, with up to 100mm of rain expected and a possibility of 150mm in localized areas. A yellow heavy rain watch is in effect for much of the rest of the island, raising fears of further landslides. Fire and Emergency NZ has deployed teams to prepare for potential emergencies, and a campground in Hawke's Bay has been evacuated due to an extreme landslide risk.

  4. Hastings District Council advises campground evacuation due to extreme landslide risk

    A campground in Hawke's Bay is undergoing evacuation due to an 'extreme risk' of a landslide, as advised by the Hastings District Council following a geotechnical report. This decision comes three weeks after significant landslides impacted the region, leading to widespread devastation and evacuations.

  5. Satellite Imagery Reveals Over 11,000 Landslides on New Zealand's East Cape

    Recent severe storms on New Zealand's North Island have caused over 11,000 landslides on the East Cape, according to new satellite imagery. This has led to the isolation of communities and blocked State Highway 35. The scale of the devastation is further illustrated by over 900 hectares affected by slips and silt damage.

  6. Geotechnical engineers ease safety restrictions on four Tauranga homes after landslide risk decreases

    Safety restrictions have been eased on four homes in Tauranga's Welcome Bay that were previously red-stickered following a deadly landslide last month. Geotechnical engineers have determined that the risk of further landslides impacting these properties has decreased.

  7. Tai Rāwhiti extends state of emergency for seven days due to extreme weather

    The state of emergency in Tai Rāwhiti has been extended for an additional seven days due to persistent extreme weather, heavy rain, and severe flooding across New Zealand's North Island. Significant landslides have resulted in the isolation of numerous communities, with a major slip on State Highway 35 blocking access between Hicks Bay and Te Araroa.

  8. Storms cause at least nine deaths in Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, and other areas

    Beyond the six fatalities in a Mount Maunganui landslide, the storms caused two more deaths in Papamoa and one additional fatality elsewhere, bringing the confirmed death toll to at least nine.

January 2026 49 developments

  1. Prime Minister pledges $1.2M aid and inquiry after Tauranga landslips; one missing, 500 displaced

    One person remains missing following two landslips in the Tauranga area, affecting Papamoa and Mt Maunganui. The Prime Minister signaled a government inquiry into the tragedy and pledged $1.2 million in aid, with approximately 500 people displaced across the North Island.

  2. Prime Minister issues statement on Mount Maunganui landslide victims and North Island weather

    Specific details about the six victims of the Mount Maunganui landslide were released, identifying them as two 15-year-old students, a literacy coordinator, two 71-year-old friends, and a Swedish national. Additionally, the Prime Minister issued an official statement regarding the Mount Maunganui landslide and other North Island weather events.

  3. Onepoto and Te Araroa residents evacuate due to landslide risks

    Evacuations are underway in Onepoto and parts of Te Araroa on New Zealand's East Coast, affecting approximately 30 houses due to ongoing landslide risks. Residents are relocating to stay with friends, family, or within the community.

  4. Human Remains Found at Mount Maunganui Landslide Site; East Coast Households Evacuated

    Human remains have been discovered at the Mount Maunganui landslide site, with officials stating it is highly unlikely anyone survived. Additionally, some East Coast households have been evacuated due to significant landslide risks.

  5. NEMA warns of ongoing flood and landslide dangers after 'one-in-a-hundred-year' North Island weather event

    The severe weather crisis affecting New Zealand's North Island was described as a 'one-in-a-hundred-year' event caused by an atmospheric river, displacing thousands and damaging infrastructure. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warned that flooding and landslide dangers had not fully passed, with lingering effects expected.

  6. Tairāwhiti Emergency Management reports fake evacuation calls in Gisborne

    Residents in the Gisborne region received fake evacuation calls, which Tairāwhiti Emergency Management Office confirmed were not official and reported to authorities. There was no immediate flood risk to homes in the area.

  7. New Zealand storm death toll rises to six after two more found dead in Papamoa

    Two additional fatalities, a grandmother and her grandson, were found dead in Papamoa, bringing the total number of deaths from the North Island heavy rains and landslides to six. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the situation as an "absolute tragedy."

  8. Mount Maunganui Landslide Death Toll Rises to Four

    Two additional fatalities have been reported in the Mount Maunganui landslide, bringing the total number of deaths to four. The search for individuals buried in the landslide continues amid dangerous and unstable conditions.

  9. WorkSafe urges North Island businesses to prioritize worker safety amid heavy rains

    Northland is experiencing a new round of heavy rains, leading to flooded homes, numerous slips, and over 300 evacuations, with orange heavy rain warnings in effect. WorkSafe has also urged businesses in affected North Island areas to prioritize worker safety and postpone non-essential outdoor work.

  10. Landslide damages Mount Maunganui Holiday Park, prompts closures and red warnings

    The landslide at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, which occurred around 9:30 a.m. on January 22, caused damage to RVs, tents, vehicles, and a communal restroom, with the youngest missing teenager confirmed to be 15. Due to ongoing slip risks, Papamoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park and Coromandel's Cathedral Cove have been closed, and Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils have issued eight red warnings.

  11. NEMA warns of continued flood and landslide danger in upper North Island

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) warned that flooding and landslide dangers have not fully passed in the upper North Island, with heavy rain expected to continue. Additionally, New Zealand insurers have received hundreds of flood and land damage claims, with IAG reporting nearly 800.

  12. Six people missing at Mount Maunganui; two escape Welcome Bay landslide; man missing near Warkworth

    Six people, including two teenagers, are now confirmed missing at Mount Maunganui. Additionally, the Welcome Bay landslide occurred at 4:50 AM on January 22, with two people escaping, and the man missing near Warkworth is identified as being in his 40s.

  13. PM Luxon confirms monitoring as police report no signs of life at Mount Maunganui

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed active monitoring of the situation. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson stated that no sign of life has been detected for hours in the search for missing individuals at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park.

  14. Bay of Plenty declares state of emergency after Tauranga receives three months' rain in one day

    A state of emergency has been declared in areas like Bay of Plenty, with Tauranga receiving three months' worth of rain in a single day. Experts warn that the risk of further landslides remains high across New Zealand's North Island due to saturated ground and ongoing intense storms.

  15. Tropical Disturbance 05F causes four deaths, states of emergency in New Zealand

    Four people have died due to flooding and landslides, and states of local emergency have been declared for Whangārei, Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki Districts, and the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti regions. The severe weather on January 21 and 22 was attributed to the remnants of Tropical Disturbance 05F.

  16. Police Superintendent Tim Anderson reports 'single figures' missing in Mount Maunganui

    Police Superintendent Tim Anderson specified the number of missing individuals at Mount Maunganui is in the 'single figures', and emergency services are searching for a man swept away by floodwaters near Warkworth. Local states of emergency have been declared in five regions, with helicopters deployed for rooftop rescues, and widespread floodwaters cutting off towns and highways, prompting evacuations in low-lying areas.

  17. Search continues overnight at Mount Maunganui campground; Papamoa landslide injures one

    The search for unaccounted individuals at the Mount Maunganui campground is set to continue overnight. In the Papamoa landslide, one person was seriously injured, and thousands across the North Island remain without power.

  18. Landslide in Welcome Bay, Tauranga, leaves two missing; North Island braces for more rain

    An additional landslide occurred in Welcome Bay, Tauranga, resulting in two people missing and damage to at least one house. Furthermore, the upper North Island is bracing for a second round of heavy rains and potential flooding, with an orange heavy rain warning issued for Northland and Coromandel.

  19. Helicopters rescue families and individuals from rooftops; man missing near Waihi

    Rescue efforts included helicopters rescuing families from rooftops and seven individuals being rescued from a rooftop. Additionally, a man is reported missing near Waihi after being swept away in his vehicle.

  20. Red heavy rain warnings lifted as tropical low moves eastward after record rainfall

    Red heavy rain warnings across the North Island have been lifted as the tropical low-pressure system moves eastward, following record-breaking rainfall in some areas. States of emergency were declared for Northland, Thames-Coromandel, Hauraki, and the Bay of Plenty.

  21. Landslides kill two, several missing in Papamoa and Mount Maunganui

    Two people have been confirmed dead following a landslide in Papamoa, while emergency services are searching for several others, including children, who are missing after a landslide struck a campsite at Mount Maunganui and another hit a home in the Bay of Plenty. Emergency Minister Mark Mitchell described parts of the east coast as resembling a 'war zone.'

  22. Auckland Emergency Management urges caution as storm conditions persist

    Auckland Emergency Management urged residents to stay updated and exercise caution as storm conditions persisted on January 20, with numerous rain and wind watches and warnings for the upper North Island expected to last until early Thursday morning.

  23. North Island areas declare emergency due to severe rain, flooding; two missing after landslip

    Five areas in the North Island, including Gisborne, Coromandel, Whangārei, Bay of Plenty, and Hauraki District, are under precautionary states of emergency due to severe rain and widespread flooding. Two people are missing after a landslip in Papamoa, and helicopters are assisting those trapped on roofs.

April 2024 1 developments

  1. Severe Weather Kills Two, Isolates Communities in New Zealand's North Island

    Two people have died and several others are missing following severe weather, heavy rainfall, and strong winds across New Zealand's North Island. Emergency services are conducting search and rescue operations, but challenging conditions are hindering their efforts. Thousands of residents are without power, and numerous roads are closed due to slips and flooding, isolating some communities.