Great Barrier Island has been placed under a Red Wind Warning as Cyclone Vaianu tracks directly toward the community. Cushla Buchanan, Aotea Emergency Response Team (ERT) coordinator, confirmed Friday evening that the ERT is fully activated with all agencies on standby to respond to what is now a multi-hazard, “potentially life-threatening event.”
Severe Weather Outlook
The MetService has upgraded alerts for the island to the highest possible level. A Red Wind Warning is in place for a 13-hour window starting at 5:00 am this Sunday, 12 April. Forecasters expect severe gale easterlies to shift to severe gale westerlies by Sunday afternoon, bringing damaging gusts of up to 140km/h.
Sealink has confirmed that ferry sailings for Sunday are cancelled, while Island Aviation has similarly grounded flights for the day. Barrier Air continues to operate as per its normal schedule, but warns that flying will only continue if weather permits.
In addition to the wind, an Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in effect from 2:00 am to 2:00 pm Sunday. Between 70 to 100 mm of rain is expected to accumulate, with the added risk of heavy swells and coastal inundation.
Official Warnings and Impacts
Buchanan warned that the island faces a “threat to life from flying items and falling trees.” The destructive winds could cause widespread damage, including to roofs, and will create dangerous driving conditions.
“The combination of damaging winds, heavy rain and coastal inundation makes this a multi-hazard, potentially life-threatening event,” Buchanan stated. She also emphasized that the exact location of the most severe impacts, such as slips and road closures, remains “highly dependent on the cyclone’s track.”
Emergency Response and Community Advice
The ERT, which includes Police, FENZ, St Johns, and Mana Whenua, is urging residents to finish preparations by Saturday. Buchanan’s message to the community is clear: “Please do not underestimate cyclones.”
Residents are advised to stay indoors and sheltered throughout Sunday. The ERT noted that if the “eye” of the storm passes over, winds may suddenly stop, but they will return quickly from the opposite direction. “Please prepare to bunker down and stay home Sunday, ensure you have supplies and avoid unnecessary travel,” Buchanan said.
Important Safety Contacts
- Emergencies: Dial 111 (Police, Fire, Ambulance).
- Self-Evacuation: If you feel at risk at any time, self-evacuate to a safe location.
- Auckland Council Contact Centre: 09-301-0101.
- Damage Reporting: The Auckland Council Service Centre (09-429-0258) will be available from Monday morning to receive reports on damage and requests for service.
Rubbish and Recycling Changes
Auckland Council Waste Services has announced that next week’s collections will be delayed by one day, following a public holiday schedule.
- Monday 13 April → Tuesday 14 April
- Tuesday 14 April → Wednesday 15 April
Residents are asked to keep all bins and crates secured on their property. “Please do not place rubbish or recycling out — keep items secured on your property until it is safe to put them out,” the council advised, noting that wet paper and cardboard cannot be recycled and should be held until the following week if necessary.
Island Service Updates
| Service | Status for Sunday, 12 April |
| Mulberry Grove Store | 7:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Barrier Air | Encouraging travel Sat morning or Mon/Tue; flights pending weather. |
| Island Aviation | All Sunday flights cancelled; Saturday morning flights proceed. |
| Sealink | All ferry sailings for Sunday are cancelled. |
| Claris Store | Open 9:00 am; may close early depending on conditions. |
| Port Fitzroy Store | Closed. |
| Rocks Bottle Shop | Closed. |
| My Fat Puku | Closed. |
