Hawke’s Bay Mayor Labels Cyclone Vaianu Emergency Declaration "Woke"

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little hits out at Hawke's Bay's emergency declarations, calling them "woke" and unnecessary, while other mayors defend the proactive response.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 4:57 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The "Woke" Accusation

As Cyclone Vaianu approached on Saturday, Napier, Hastings, and Central Hawke's Bay—along with the Regional Council—declared a state of emergency for coastal areas. Mayor Craig Little was invited to join the collective declaration but refused.

"We're becoming woke as a country when it comes to states of emergency," Little said on Monday. He argued that the criteria for activation were not met based on local forecasts, which predicted wind and swells rather than catastrophic rainfall. "When you make a call like that, it means you are under the pump. It takes away the importance of a state of emergency."

"Once Bitten, Twice Shy"

The region's other mayors and the Regional Council chair, Sophie Siers, stood firmly by their decision, citing the traumatic lessons learned from Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Multiple inquiries found the response to Gabrielle was inadequate and came too late.

Sophie Siers (HBRC Chair): "We have to strike the right balance, giving early warnings without jumping at every drop of rain... we will always prioritise safety and make sure the events of Gabrielle were not repeated."