Cyclone Gabrielle Response Wrap-up

Published on 20 February 2023

Information for Tuesday 21 February

This page will be updated live as changes happen.

Tairua River/Pāuanui Harbour and Whangamatā Water Quality Warning

Due to the heavy rains over recent days, the water in the Tairua/Pāuanui and Whangamatā harbour areas is considered “unsuitable for swimming/fishing/shellfish gathering” due to the possibility of bacterial contamination. As a precaution, our Council advises no recreational or commercial use in these areas until until further notice.

Welfare Support

Check out our handy information leaflet about where and how to access welfare services(DOCX, 138KB) . 

If you need welfare assistance during this time, such as food, fuel or medicine, please contact “Here to Help U”. Phone: 0800 568 273 or Heretohelpu.nz

Ministry of Social Development support: Call on 0800 400 100. Open 7am–5pm Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm Saturday, and 8am-1pm Sunday. 

If you have health questions, phone Healthline on 0800 611 116. Healthline is staffed by experienced registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Roading

Up to date information on local roads and a summary of State Highways can be found on our Roads and Highway Conditions page. 

For full details on State Highway closures, consult the Waka Kotahi website. 

Water Treatment Plants

Our Water Treatment Plants were under intense pressure during the storm. We are pleased to advise that the 'Conserve Water Notices' issued have now been lifted and water supplies are adequate. We thank residents of Thames-Coromandel communities for their support during this period. 

Civil Defence Centres 

Find out about our Council's emergency management unit including hazards information, community response plans and more.

Community-Led Centres

All closed.

Power outages

Please consult the Powerco website for a list of power outages.

Kerbside Pick-up

Kerbside services have resumed as normal. Check your kerbside schedules here. 

Refuse Transfer Stations

All of our sites are open. Find out where your nearest Refuse Transfer Station is and its opening hours.

We encourage our customers to please also share this information with friends, family and neighbours so they are also aware. 

Council Airfields

Thames (Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield) - Open.

Pāuanui - status can't be confirmed due to flooded roads but no issues reported to Council

Tararū Historic Cemetery, Thames

Closed - there is damage to the accessway, with landslip debris across this and the staircase leading to the cemetery. There is windblown tree damage in the cemetery itself and some evidence of frittering of the Waka Kotahi land below the cemetery. Security fencing is being installed to prevent access until the debris can be cleared and it is safe to enter.

What to do with flood-contaminated household goods?

Take them to your local Refuse Transfer Station. Ask where to put used sandbags. They can be re-used by roading crews.

Do not strip building elements (walls, roofs etc). Insurance assessors need to check this material before it is stripped out. Take photos and record lists of items being disposed of to support your insurance claim.