Recovery from January 2026 storm impacts
We are now in a Civil Defence recovery period following the heavy weather effects in late January 2026.
A major slip has closed Russell Road at the Helena Bay Hill, with repair work likely to take several months.
The eastern-coastal parts of Whangārei District between Helena Bay and the Whangaruru Peninsula should instead be accessed via the fully sealed northern route, including the vehicle ferry at Opua.
Locals and anyone performing priority travel (for example, contractors making repairs) have the option to use Kaiikanui Road (via Pigs Head Road and Webb Road) but should allow plenty of time for delays.
A route map and travel information is available on the Russell Road slip project page:
Support and safety information
A range of support is available to anyone impacted from this event, and our 'Recovery Hub' sessions will be repeated in late February 2026.
Emergency Recovery Fund closed
Financial support was available for those affected by the 18-24 January 2026 severe weather.
The Emergency Recovery Fund closed on Sunday 15 March 2026.
Temporary accommodation
Contact Temporary Accommodation Service (TAS):
Phone: 0508 754 163
Register online (mbie.govt.nz)
Insurance
If your home or land has been damaged, contact your insurer first.
If you need assistance with the insurance claims process, the New Zealand Claims Resolution Service can help:
New Zealand Claims Resolution Service (nzcrs.govt.nz)
Phone: 0508 624 327
The Natural Hazards Commission provides insured homeowners with natural hazards cover to help in the event of a natural disaster:
Natural Hazards Commission (naturalhazards.govt.nz)
Phone: 0800 326 243
Support centres
- Mōkau Marae
- Ngāiotonga Marae
- Otetao Reti – Punaruku Marae.
Key support contacts
In an emergency, phone 111.
Other contacts:
For your mental wellbeing