Aucklanders Brace for Impact: Panic Buying Erupts as Cyclone Vaianu Nears

Aucklanders flock to supermarkets and petrol stations as Cyclone Vaianu nears, with reports of long queues and essential items selling out across the North Shore.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 4:24 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Congestion at Retail Hubs

The PAK'nSAVE at Wairau Road in Glenfield became a focal point for the pre-storm rush. By midday, the car park reached full capacity, with dozens of vehicles circling for spaces. Inside, management responded by opening every available checkout to manage the influx of customers. While some regular shoppers attempted to carry out their weekly routine, many noted that the atmosphere was significantly more intense than usual. One resident, Jess Clark, mentioned that while the car park was "crazy," the staff were working efficiently to keep the indoor queues moving.

Essential Supplies Running Low

Reports from early morning shoppers indicated that several high-demand items were already missing from shelves by 9:00 am. Essential goods, particularly bottled water and bread, were among the first to sell out at various locations. Shoppers Vladimir and Zoya expressed disappointment at the lack of availability, noting that the combination of high prices and empty shelves added to the pre-cyclone stress. For some, like those in Beach Haven, buying water was a necessity rather than a precaution, following local reports of poor tap water quality even before the storm's arrival.

Fuel Stations and Infrastructure Pressure

The rush was not limited to groceries; local petrol stations also faced heavy demand. One shopper, Amid, remarked that the lines for fuel were "worse" than the supermarket queues, as motorists sought to fill their tanks before the severe winds and rain arrived. This widespread movement reflects the heightened sense of urgency across the North Island, following Red and Orange weather warnings issued by MetService. Authorities are currently monitoring the situation to ensure that essential supply chains remain functional as the weather conditions deteriorate.