Communities Breathe Sigh of Relief as Cyclone Vaianu Moves Offshore
As Cyclone Vaianu moves offshore, thousands remain without power and PM Christopher Luxon suggests "braver conversations" regarding the relocation of isolated SH35 communities.
By: AXL Media
Published: Apr 13, 2026, 4:59 AM EDT
Source: RNZ Pacific
Assessing the Aftermath
The storm's departure reveals a mix of relief and lingering disruption across the region:
East Cape Outages: Approximately 2,750 homes are still without power. In Te Araroa, business owners have resorted to generators to keep operations running.
Coromandel & Whakatāne: Long-term residents in the Kauaeranga Valley and Ōhope reported a return to normality after "riding out" a night of intense wind and rain.
Ongoing Warnings: Heavy rain watches remain in effect for Northern Taranaki, Waitomo, Taumarunui, and Taupō (west of the lake).
A Call for "Braver Conversations" on Relocation
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