Page last updated: 4:30pm Tuesday 03 February 2026
The local State of Emergency for the Hikurangi–Coastal Ward lifted at 4pm Tuesday 03 February 2026, with the district moving into a 28‑day transition to recovery. Council and partner agencies will continue supporting affected communities as the focus shifts to long‑term recovery.
A major slip has impacted Russell Road at the Helena Bay Hill, with repair work likely to take multiple weeks.
For the latest traffic advice, check our Travel and roading updates.
Travel and roading updates
A range of support is available to anyone impacted from this event.
Where to get help
We welcome the first stage of Government support for initial recovery efforts in the District after the severe weather event between 18 and 24 January.
The Emergency Recovery Fund is now open for affected communities to make applications for financial support, and for donations to be made towards recovery efforts.
Emergency Recovery Fund
Safety on Kaiikanui Road
Extreme care is required if you are using Kaiikanui Road. Drive slowly and be courteous. More information can be found under our Travel and roading updates section.
Travel and roading updates
There is a significant slip on Russell Road at Helena Bay Hill, completely blocking public access. Initial geotechnical assessment indicate it will be some weeks before clearance is complete.
Unsafe to collect kaimoana / shellfish
Do not collect shellfish for at least 28 days since the last heavy rainfall (on or around 19 February 2026), or until water testing indicates it is safe to do so. Shellfish may be contaminated with pathogens (such as bacteria and viruses) introduced through floodwaters and runoff.
Check SafeSwim to find out where it is safe to swim.
Safeswim (swimsafe.org.nz)
Waste disposal
Two skip-bins are available for inorganic waste disposal (flood damaged material) near the Ōakura Hall and at Whananaki Marae, as well as Ngaiotonga Marae, Otetao Marae and Mokau Marae.
Please do not deposit soil or silt in the skip bins. If you need to deposit soil and silt you can continue to do so at the existing designated clean fill site by the sports complex.
The Ōakura Transfer Station is also open and inorganic items damaged by flood can be dropped off at no charge.
Kerbside collections will go ahead on normal scheduled days - for north-east coast of Whangārei District, kerbside rubbish collection is on Mondays.
Rubbish stations
Oākura public toilets
The public toilets have been closed due to concerns about the large slip above them that impacted the Oākura Hall. Portaloos will be in place until a more permanent solution is put in place.
Rapid building assessments
A designation is in effect and building assessments are underway.
Designation response to January 2026 severe weather event
Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS)
If you need temporary accommodation following the severe weather events the Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS) can help.
You can register your details with them and a temporary accommodation coordinator will call you in a few days to discuss helping find a temporary housing solution that works for you. You can register online or by phone.
Register online (mbie.govt.nz)
Phone: 0508 754 163
Insurance
If your home or land has been damaged by recent weather events, contact your insurer to lodge a claim in the first instance.
If you need assistance with the insurance claims process, the New Zealand Claims Resolution Service can help.
Phone: 0508 624 327
Email: contact@nzcrs.govt.nz
The Natural Hazards Commission provides insured homeowners with natural hazards cover to help in the event of a natural disaster.
Phone: 0800 326 243
Email: info@naturalhazards.govt.nz
Website: Natural Hazards Commission (naturalhazards.govt.nz)
Support centres
The following marae and facilities are standing by to support everyone, and we encourage anyone who needs assistance to make contact or visit.
Mōkau Marae
2355 Russell Road, Mōkau, Northland 0184
Ngāiotonga Marae
1561 Rawhiti Road, Ngāiotonga, Northland 0184
Otetao Reti - Punaruku Marae
2821 Russell Road, Punaruku, Ōakura, Northland 0184
Key support contacts
Recovering from a major event takes time, and can affect you, your whānau, and your community in many ways, both visible and invisible. Everyone's journey is different, and may include an ongoing need for social, emotional and environmental support.
Here are some key support contacts for agencies and groups that can help you on your journey:
Emergency
If your life is in danger and you need immediate help, and you need an ambulance, Police or Fire and Emergency.
Phone: 111
Council support
Our Civil Defence team can assist with immediate emergency accommodation and household needs.
Phone: 0800 932 463
For specific information on what to do to stay safe after a flood can be found on the Northland Regional Council's website:
Your welfare after a flood (nrc.govt.nz)
Unwell or need medical help?
Phone your GP, look out for medical visits in the community or call Healthline to speak to a nurse or paramedic 24/7.
Phone: 0800 611 116
Questions about benefits or need further financial assistance?
Contact Work and Income to find out about extra help with urgent or unexpected costs, including whether you are eligible for Civil Defence Payments. You don't need to be a WINZ customer.
Civil Defence Payments are available for people who have been affected by the severe weather events in these areas:
- Rawhiti
- Ngaiotonga
- Bland Bay (Whangaruru North)
- Punaruku
- Ōakura (Whangaruru South)
- Mokau
- Helena Bay
- Mimiwhangata
- Whananaki
Civil Defence Payments can help cover the costs of food, bedding, clothing, accommodation, and loss of income.
For more information, phone Ministry of Social Development or view their website:
Phone: 0800 559 009
Civil Defence Payment (worksandincome.govt.nz)
Are you worried, anxious or just need to talk to someone?
That's normal after an emergency. Free call or text 1737 at any time for a confidential chat and emotional support from a trained counsellor.
Free call or text: 1737
Phone: 0800 269 4389
Website: anxiety.org.nz
The Access and Choice programme provides free mental wellbeing support services.
Website: wellbeingsupport.health.nz
The Depression Helpline has trained counsellors available.
Phone: 0800 111 757
Text: 4202
For young people who need someone to connect with, Youthline has support available online, by phone, text or email.
Website: youthline.co.nz
Phone: 0800 376 633
Text: 234
Is a whānau member or friend at risk from family harm?
Stressful situations can lead to family harm. If you or someone you know is in trouble, there is free and confidential support available from the Shine national helpline.
Phone: 0508 744 633
Are you worried about alcohol and drug use?
At times like these, people can also turn to alcohol and drugs. The Alcohol Drug Helpline provides friendly, non-judgemental and professional help and advice.
Phone: 0800 787 797
Website: alcoholdrughelp.org.nz
Is managing impacts on your farm becoming overwhelming?
The Rural Support Trust's facilitators are trained to help with a range of challenges in a caring, confidential and compassionate way.
They're there to help the farming community heal, recover and return to farming as soon as possible.
Phone: 0800 787 254
Farmstrong is a nationwide wellbeing programme for the rural community. Their aim is to help you live well to farm well. On their website you can find a range of resources to help you manage your wellbeing.
Website: farmstrong.co.nz
Traffic access - Kaiikanui Road
If you’re a non-resident heading to Ōakura, Bland Bay or the Whangaruru Peninsula, please use SH1 and the Opua ferry — this is the safest and preferred route.
A detour through Kaiikanui Road is only for light, essential travel and local residents.
The road is narrow, gravel, and affected by slips and is not suitable for caravans, boat trailers, trucks or general holiday traffic.
Two pilot vehicles will run continuous guided access between 7:00am and 6:00pm, and delays are expected. The road is open access at other times, with extreme caution advised.
- Northbound pilot from 7:00am onwards from Kaiikanui / Pigs Head departure point, until 6:00pm depending on traffic volumes.
- Southbound pilot from 7:00am onward, leaving from the end of seal on Webb Road, until 6:00pm depending on traffic volumes.
Our top priority is safety, and we will continue to monitor this route carefully. We appreciate your understanding while these measures remain in place. We’ll update you as the situation changes.
Whangārei to Ōakura Beach via Kaiikanui Road: 55km, 1hr 15mins (plus waiting time for pilot vehicles).
Travel information via SH1 / SH11
We are urging the public to use the northern access route into Ōakura, by following SH1 / SH11 via Opua car ferry and Russell Whakapara Road (Whangārei to Ōakura Beach via this route; 116km, 2hrs 30 min).
While an alternate route is available via a turnoff just north of Kawakawa, this road is narrow, partly gravel and requires extreme caution.
View PDF of alternate routes map(PDF, 726KB)