State of Emergency declared in Tararua
Update 2 - 15 February 2026, 11pm
With night upon us, we expect the bulk of the rain to affect the district from now onwards. In our district, a team is on standby in the Emergency Management Centre, monitoring conditions closely and coordinating with partner agencies across the region. At this stage, our next update will be shared in the morning, unless there is a significant change or something urgent that people need to know sooner. Please take care, limit travel where possible, and stay informed through official channels.
We are sharing this update from the Regional Civil Defence group:
MetService New Zealand updated their weather warnings at about 9pm.
Tararua District
You remain under a heavy rain warning. From 8pm tonight until 7pm Monday, expect 120 to 150 mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, especially about eastern areas and the Tararua Range. Intensities of 20 to 25 mm per hour about the hills and ranges, especially overnight Sunday to Monday.
You also still have a strong wind warning. From 8pm tonight until 7am Monday, expect severe southwesterlies with damaging gusts of 130kmh or more in exposed places. High chance of upgrading to a red warning.
You are still under a red heavy rain warning. From 8pm tonight until 3pm Monday, expect 140 to 180 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h expected from Sunday night and Monday morning.
You remain under an orange rain warning. From 8pm tonight until 3pm Monday, expect 120 to 170 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h Sunday night and Monday morning. You also still have a strong wind warning. From 8pm tonight until 7am Monday, expect severe southwesterlies with damaging gusts of 130kmh or more in exposed places. High chance of upgrading to a red warning.
Horizons Regional Council have closed the Makino floodgates to divert floodwaters away from Feilding. They expect to open the Moutoa floodgates at about noon on Monday to protect Horowhenua properties from flooding.
Move items away from areas of your property that usually flood. Clear gutters and drains where it is safe to do so. Bring inside anything that could be lifted by strong winds, or tie it down securely. Bring pets inside where possible. Charge phones and devices. Stay away from areas at risk of slips. Move livestock in low lying areas to paddocks that are safe from floodwaters, landslides, isolated trees, and power lines. If a landslide occurs, keep well clear - further movement can happen without warning. Stay out of the water and away from beaches. Be prepared to move to higher ground if needed. Secure boats and trailers properly.
Continue to get updates from our Facebook page, our website (link in our bio), MetService, your local district/city council & media outlets such as RNZ.Update 1 - 15 February 2026, 7:20pm
MetService is forecasting torrential downpours for the whole Tararua District after dark, with coastal areas expected to be impacted first. The most intense period of rain is currently expected around 1am.
There is also potential for very strong winds, up to 130km/h. These are again expected to hit the coast first, along with some southern parts of the Tararua District.
An Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been set up at the Dannevirke Council Building monitoring the situation and preparing for potential impacts of incoming weather. The State of Emergency remains in place and residents are asked to be aware of key risks and follow the safety advice below.
Key risks include:
Slips, debris and fallen trees on roadsWidespread landslides in both rural and urban areasSurface floodingRapidly rising riversHazardous driving conditionsHeavy swells on our coastlinesPower outages
Safety Advice:
⚠️ Prepare now, before it gets dark
🚫 Please do not travel at night.
🚫 Do not drive through flood waters
🚫 Stay away from slips
Useful links:
Local road status (updated every 10 mins): https://www.tararuadc.govt.nz/services/roading/current-road-status
For state highway conditions: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions
MetService updates: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home
Make sure your devices are charged and you have a battery-powered radio to listen to news updates. Look out for each other. Take the time to check in on friends, whānau and neighbours. It’s easier to get through emergencies when we work together.
Contact us on 06 374 4080 or 06 376 0110 for any issues or information. Call 111 for any emergencies.
15 February 2026, 3pm
This declaration enables us to act quickly and coordinate resources if conditions worsen. People are strongly urged to take this seriously and prepare now, while there is still daylight.
Council has activated its response team and is monitoring the situation closely.
Slips and debris on roads Widespread landslides in both rural and urban areas Surface flooding Rising rivers Hazardous driving conditions Heavy swells on our coastlines Power outages
Move any items from areas of your property that are prone to flooding. Clear gutters and drains to help prevent surface flooding. Bring inside anything that can be broken or picked up by strong winds, or tie them down. Bring pets inside where possible. If you have livestock, know which paddocks are safe to move them away from floodwaters, landslides, isolated trees, and power lines. Stay away from parts of your farms that are at risk of landslides. If there has been a landslide, stay well away as there is the risk of further landslides occurring. Stay out of the water, away from beaches, and be prepared to move to higher ground. Boats should be moored securely or moved to a safe location. Use rope or chain to secure boat trailers.