East Coast on High Alert as Cyclone Vaianu Threatens "Trifecta" of Hazards

Tairāwhiti Civil Defence warns of storm surges, heavy rain, and high winds as Cyclone Vaianu nears. State Highway 35 to close amid peak hunting season risks.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 4:25 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Red Warnings and Regional Mobilization

As Cyclone Vaianu tracks toward the North Island, MetService has escalated weather alerts, placing the Gisborne region under a comprehensive strong wind warning. Areas north of Tolaga Bay are facing a heavy rain warning, while the south remains under a rain watch. Local authorities describe the situation as a "familiar routine" following a series of devastating storms earlier in 2026. Tairāwhiti Emergency Management has already begun moving heavy equipment and emergency supplies to Te Araroa and Hicks Bay—communities still recovering from significant storm damage sustained just two months ago.

Infrastructure Vulnerability and Road Closures

A primary concern for officials is the stability of the Punaruku slip site. Due to the high risk of further land movement, State Highway 35 between Te Araroa and Hicks Bay will be closed to all traffic from 6:30 pm on Saturday. This arterial route is considered highly fragile after 2026's earlier weather events, which triggered over 11,000 slips across the East Cape. NZTA officials stated the closure is a necessary precaution to prevent motorists from being stranded or caught in active landslide zones during the peak of the storm.

Impact on Recreation and the "Roar" Season

The timing of the cyclone coincides with the peak of the "roar"—the annual red deer hunting season—as well as school holidays. Civil Defence Manawatū Whanganui has issued a blunt directive to hunters and holidaymakers to abandon their plans, citing the extreme danger of falling trees and flash flooding in backcountry areas. Strong wind warnings have extended into Rangitīkei, Whanganui, and Ruapehu. Officials have emphasized that "she'll be right" attitudes could lead to avoidable search and rescue operations, urging the public to stay indoors until the system passes.