Update: Heavy rain impacts for Coromandel and Hauraki

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Updated at 11am on Friday, 30 January 2026 

Local States of Emergency lifted on Wednesday 28 January for both Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki Districts. Both of these districts have transitioned into Recovery. 

What is Recovery? 

We know people are still hurting and trying to get their whānau (family) through what's happened, and working to clean up, or restore damage to property/properties, and recover possessions. Recovery is an important part of Emergency Management. This is when damage is being assessed by the local authorities, there is ongoing support for affected residents and communities are helped to return to normal. We suggest following Thames-Coromandel District Council and/or Hauraki District Council to understand more about Recovery activities for these districts impacted by the recent severe weather.   

Mayoral Relief Funds

Mayoral Relief Funds have now been set up to help the communities across the upper North Island that have been impacted by the recent severe weather event. If you would like to help, we encourage those who can to donate to the Mayoral Relief Funds.
Local communities and councils understand where the immediate needs are and how to help individuals, whānau, community organisations, and marae. By donating to the Mayoral Relief Fund you help provide what is really needed to affected communities.
The following areas are accepting donations:
Mayoral Relief Funds are also open in the following regions:  

Land instability

Land instability remains a concern due to saturated soils, strong winds and localised showers. All parts of the region that would normally experience land instability may be affected by rainfall about the hill country and ranges. The risk remains much greater on the Coromandel Peninsula, with tree uprooting and landslides having the potential to impact property, roading and infrastructure such as power.

Land instability can continue for many days after a rain event like this one and landslides can happen without warning, often triggered by heavy rain. So, stay alert and look out for the warning signs. You'll need to act quickly if you see them:

  • Small slips, rock falls, and sinking land, at the bottom of slopes
  • Sticking doors and window frames, which may mean the land is slowly moving under the building
  • Gaps where window frames are not fitting properly
  • Steps, decks, and verandas, moving or tilting away from the rest of the building.
  • New cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces
  • Tilting trees, retaining walls, or fences.

Get out of the path of the landslide quickly. Evacuate if the building you are in is in danger.

Prepare for severe weather at Get Ready.

Road access

Road access and capacity remain significant challenges especially in the Coromandel Peninsula. Works are still in place to clear slips and debris. Some schools have re-opened this week, following the summer holidays, and more traffic will be on the roads. Please continue to drive carefully and patiently, especially where you see ongoing works, and be vigilant about your safety and of those around you. 

If you are travelling through the Coromandel-Peninsula, make sure you follow road signage and direction from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), police officers, and other officials who are there to keep you safe.  Check NZTA Journey Planner for the latest state highway information.

The following sections are now open with speed restrictions in place:  

  • SH25 Whitianga to Tairua
  • SH25 Kuaotunu to Kuaotunu West 
  • SH2 Paeroa to Waihī
  • SH25 Kuaotunu to Whitianga
  • SH25 Whiritoa to Waihī.

The following road has been reopened:

  • SH25 Whangamatā to Whiritoa 
  • SH2 Karangahake Gorge.