Weather warnings and watches - 13-16 February 2026
State of Emergency lifted in Ōtorohanga, Waipā Districts - now in Recovery phase
Final page update 12.46, Monday 2 March.
We’re thinking of everyone affected in our region as well as our neighbouring regions.
The State of Emergency for the Waipā and Ōtorohanga Districts was lifted on Wednesday, February 25 following the severe weather and flooding and are now moving from the response phase into recovery. The Recovery phase will remain in place until Wednesday, March 25.
Mayoral Disaster Relief Funds
Waipā District Council
Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund
Account number: 12 3122 0084701 20
Full details on who can apply and how to apply can be found at waipadc.govt.nz
Ōtorohanga District Council
Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund
Account number: 02-0392-0018241-003
Full details on who can apply and how to apply can be found at: otodc.govt.nz
The Civil Defence option has been deactivated. If you’re in Ōtorohanga and Waipā, simply type your location into referral.
Helpline support:
1737 is a free helpline that is available 24/7 to offer support and advice from trained counsellors.
Rural Women's Adverse Event Fund
Rural Women's Adverse Event Fund gives financial assistance to rural individuals, families or groups with an emphasis on supporting women and children.
Waipā District Council
0800 WAIPADC (0800 924 723)
Ōtorohanga District Council
0800 734 000
For the latest information on road closures, and the states of walking tracks and reserve, please refer to the relevant council page.
Do not try to walk, swim, or drive in floodwater. Even just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.
Help others if it is safe to do so, especially people who may require assistance.
If life, health, or property is in danger, call 111 immediately.
***Update 1pm, Sunday 15 February - check in and important reminders.
We’re thinking of everyone affected in our region as well as our neighbouring regions. The teams in Waipā and Ōtorohanga are running an awesome response effort, and our team here has been working overnight to support them, with on-the-ground reinforcements deployed today.
If you've been affected by this severe weather event, help and support is available.
- If you, your house, or someone is in danger, call 111.
- Text or phone 1737 anytime to speak to a trained counsellor for free.
Important reminders:
- If a road is closed, it’s closed for a reason – don’t drive on it.
- If a road is flooded, avoid the area.
- Don’t attempt to drive, swim or walk through flood waters.
- Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag near.
- Look out for signs of landslides, listed below in this post.
- Get out of the path of the landslide quickly. Evacuate if the building you are in is in danger.
Follow council pages for local updates including water, roads, and local support:
For the latest State Highway and weather information:
Please be kind, look after yourselves, and look out for your friends, whānau, and neighbours. Kia kaha Waikato.
***Update 10.05pm Saturday 14 February - Severe thunderstorm watch lifted
MetService has lifted the Severe Thunderstorm Watch for eastern parts of Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato, and Taupō.***
***Update 5.30pm Saturday 14 February - severe weather warning leads to Waipā declaring a state of emergency.
To read more, see Waipā District Council's website or follow their Facebook
***Update 1.15pm Saturday 14 February - Severe Thunderstorm Warning RED – South Waikato and Taupō lifted
The Severe Thunderstorm Warning RED for South Waikato and Taupō has been lifted.***
***Update 11am Saturday 14 February - Severe Thunderstorm Warning RED – South Waikato and Taupō
MetService has issued a RED warning for South Waikato and Taupō, valid from 11am to 12.15pm, Saturday 14 February 2026.
Stay inside. Don't drive unless absolutely necessary.***
***Update 9.50am, Saturday 14 February - Severe Thunderstorm Warning for South Waikato and Taupō.
MetService weather radar detected severe thunderstorms near ORAKEI KORAKO, WAIKITE VALLEY and ATIAMURI. These severe thunderstorms are moving towards the south, and are expected to lie near ORAKEI KORAKO and ATIAMURI at 10:00am and near TAUPO, ORAKEI KORAKO and MOKAI at 10:30am. These thunderstorms are expected to be accompanied by torrential rain.
Impact: Torrential rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
The Heavy Rain Watch has been lifted, however the Severe Thunderstorm Watch for eastern parts of Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato, and Taupō remains in place.
Do not try to walk, swim, or drive in floodwater. Even just 15 centimetres deep can sweep you off your feet, and half a metre of water will carry away most vehicles. Flood water is often contaminated and can make you sick.
Help others if it is safe to do so, especially people who may require assistance.
If life, health, or property is in danger, call 111 immediately.***
***Update 9.20am, Saturday 14 February. Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Heavy Rain Warning for parts of Waikato.
MetService has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for eastern parts of Coromandel Peninsula and Waikato, and Taupō.
While the Severe Thunderstorm Warning RED for South Waikato and Ōtorohanga and the Heavy Rain Watch Orange for Coromandel Peninsula has been lifted, a Heavy Rain Watch remains in place for Waikato South of Hamilton and Waitomo.
Several roads in the Waikato Region have been affected overnight. Keep up to date at NZTA.govt.nz/journeyplanner.
***Update 6.25am Friday 14 February - severe weather warning leads to Ōtorohanga declaring a state of emergency.
To read more, see Ōtorohanga District Council's website or follow their Facebook page.
***Update 7.40pm, Friday 13 February - Severe Weather Warning RED – South Waikato and Ōtorohanga 13 February 2026.
MetService has issued a RED warning for South Waikato and Ōtorohanga, valid from 7pm to 12 midnight.
Stay inside. Don't drive unless absolutely necessary.
Landslips:
Be on the look out for the following signs:
- small slips, rock falls and subsidence at the bottom of slopes
- sticking doors and window frames
- gaps where frames are not fitting properly
- outside fixtures such as steps, decks, and verandas moving or tilting away from the rest of the house
- new cracks or bulges on the ground, road, footpath, retaining walls and other hard surfaces
- tilting trees, retaining walls or fences
Flooding:
- Rivers, banks, and streams can rise rapidly
- Do not attempt to drive, swim, or walk through flood waters
- Be prepared to evacuate and keep your grab bag near. Listen to emergency services and local Civil Defence authorities. Follow any instructions about evacuation of your area. Self-evacuate if you feel unsafe.
- Move pets to a safe place and move stock to higher ground. If you have to leave, take your pets with you. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them.
- Turn off water, electricity and gas if advised to.
- Move valuable and dangerous items as high above the floor as possible. This includes electrical equipment and chemicals. Use watertight containers to store important items.
- Lift curtains, rugs and bedding off the floor.
- Check on your neighbours and anyone who may need your help.
Get ready
Storms — Get Ready (NZ Civil Defence) — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand
Update 4.40pm, Friday 13 February
Severe Thunderstorm Warning RED! South Waikato, Waipa, Waitomo, Taupō, Ōtorohanga and Rotorua.
This line of severe thunderstorms is moving towards the southeast, and is expected to lie from PAEWHENUA to MANGAKINO to ORAKEI KORAKO at 04:52 pm and from WAIPA VALLEY to WHAKAMARU to WAIRAKEI at 05:22 pm.
Very heavy rain can cause surface and/or flash flooding about streams, gullies and urban areas, and make driving conditions extremely hazardous.
Download the MetService New Zealand app for the latest weather notifications. www.metservice.com/weather-apps
Update at 4.20pm, Friday 13 February 2026
MetService New Zealand have issued a Heavy Rain Warning - Orange for Coromandel Penninsula valid from 10.30am until 10am tomorrow, Saturday 14 February.
We're expecting 120mm to 150mm of rain, with the chance of 200mm in localised areas if downpours occur. Intensities of 20mm to 25mm per hour are likely, but there is the chance of downpours with 25mm to 40mm per hour.
Download the MetService New Zealand app for the latest weather notifications. www.Metservice.com/weather-apps